Chapter 29 — The Bookmobile Through the Mountains

A few weeks after the celebration, when everything in the program had gradually stabilized - the new route led by Thang had begun to operate smoothly, Uncle Bon Senh had also gotten used to his role as an official technician, and the reading corner named after Nghi's father in Nam Cay had become a familiar destination not only for students but also for adults in the village every free evening - Nam suddenly invited Nghi to visit his house downstream, where his mother and younger brother Phong were giving birth. live.

"I think it's a good time for you to meet my family," Nam said, his voice holding a rare nervousness. "My mother and Phong have heard so much about you, they keep urging me to take you home to play."

Nghi immediately agreed, although inside he could not hide the same nervousness. The trip took place on a weekend, when both of them could arrange free time. Nam's family's small house is located in a quiet alley on the outskirts of the city, completely different from the majestic mountain and forest scenery that Nghi has been familiar with for more than a year.

Nam's mother, a woman in her fifties but still agile, welcomed Nghi with a warmth that touched her. "You are the girl that Nam has been talking about all year," she smiled, holding Nghi's hand tightly. "I heard him talk about your bookmobile program, about what you've accomplished, and I'm very impressed. You're really like your father, daring to think and do things, and have a kind heart."

Phong, Nam's younger brother, also appeared soon after, a young man with a gentle face, calloused hands from carpentry work but a bright smile, full of vitality. "Miss Nghi, I've heard Mr. Nam talk about you a lot, finally I get to meet you," he said, his voice cheerful and friendly right from the first meeting.

Dinner that night took place in a cozy atmosphere, full of laughter. Phong told Nghi about the brothers' childhood memories, about how Nam always gave in and took care of his younger brother even though he was still very young when his father passed away early. Nghi also shared about the bookmobile program, about the children on the route, and about the story of the stormy night rescuing little Senh, which made Nam's entire family emotionally listen.

"I'm happy that Nam finally found someone who can understand and accompany what he believes in," Phong said, his eyes looking affectionately at his brother. "All these years, I've always felt guilty because I know he sacrificed his favorable education to give me the opportunity to learn a more stable profession. But seeing him as happy as he is now, I see that all the sacrifices were worth it."

Nam heard his brother say that and shook his head slightly, his voice full of emotion. "I never considered it a sacrifice, Phong. I simply did what I thought was right at the time, and looking back now, I don't regret anything, because it was those experiences that led me to the path of teaching in the highlands, to Nghi, to the meaningful life I have now."

After the meal, Nam took Nghi to a small yard behind the house, where the city lights could be seen sparkling in the distance. The two sat together on an old stone bench, the quiet atmosphere was completely different from the bustle of the recent family meal.

"Thank you for agreeing to come here with me," Nam said, his voice gentle. "I want you to see the full extent of who I am, not just the teacher stationed in Nam Cay, but also a part of this family, of what has shaped me into the person I am today."

"I'm very happy to meet mom and Phong," Nghi replied, resting her head lightly on his shoulder. "I understand a lot more about you after this trip, about why you are so steadfast in the path you have chosen."

Nam was silent for a moment, then turned to look at Nghi, his eyes filled with a different seriousness than usual. "Look, I've been thinking a lot lately, about our future. I know, your work is closely tied to Van Thac, with the bookmobile program, and my work is also deeply tied to Nam Cay. But I realize, no matter where I am, as long as I have you by my side, that's the place I want to call home."

Nghi's heart was pounding, she waited silently, feeling that something important was about to be said.

"I have decided to officially stick with Nam Cay for a long time, not just as a temporary choice, but as a lifelong commitment," Nam said, his voice steady but unable to hide his emotions. "And I hope you will accompany me on that path, not only as the person who brings books to my students, but also as my life partner, if you are also willing."

Nghi looked at Nam, tears rolling down her cheeks, but they were tears of the most complete happiness she had ever experienced. "I'm willing, Nam. I've been willing for a long time, just waiting for the right moment to say it."

Nam smiled, gently hugged her, the two sat there under the night sky sparkling with city lights, their hearts beating as one, looking forward to a future that they both believed would continue to be associated with bumpy mountain roads, with children who longed for words, and with the love that they had nurtured together through many challenges of life.

When returning to the house, Nam's mother immediately saw the change on their faces. Her eyes sparkled with joy even though she did not ask directly. She just quietly made another pot of tea, placed it on the table, and then spoke, her voice full of meaning. "I think you two are very compatible. When it's convenient, you two can arrange for me and your aunt to meet and discuss adult matters."

Nghi blushed, bowed his head and smiled, while Nam scratched his head shyly but couldn't hide his happy smile. Phong stood next to him, patting his brother's shoulder, his voice full of teasing. "Our Nam has finally opened up. I'm really happy for you."

That night, before Nghi got on the bus to return to Van Thac, Nam saw her off to the bus station, holding her hand tightly, his eyes filled with an unspoken promise. "I'll arrange to go up and talk to my aunt soon," he said, his voice both serious and warm. "I don't want to wait any longer, Nghi. I've found what I want, and I don't want to miss any more moments."

Nghi nodded, tears rolling down but happy tears, she hugged Nam one last time before getting in the car, her heart filled with a firm belief that the future ahead, although there are still many unknown things, will certainly be built on a solid foundation of love, understanding, and a common ideal that they have nurtured together for more than a year.

True to his promise, just two weeks later, Nam arranged to go with his mother to Van Thac town, bring betel and areca nuts and a few simple gifts, and visit Nghi's house to talk to Mrs. Dung. The meeting took place in a warm, intimate atmosphere. The two mothers quickly chatted like they had known each other for a long time, discussing plans for the young couple's future. Although they were not in a hurry to set a specific wedding date, it was officially considered that the two families had "adult talks" with each other.

After the meeting, when seeing Nam and his mother off to the bus station to return home, Mrs. Dung held Nghi's hand, her eyes shining with complete happiness. "I'm so happy, Nghi. Seeing you so happy, I feel like your father is also here, happy for you." Nghi hugged her mother. They both watched the bus carrying Nam and his mother disappear down the slope. Her heart was filled with peace and hope for the good things that lay ahead, not only for her, but for the entire bookmobile program that had become an inseparable part of her life.

That evening, Nghi sat alone at her father's altar, lit a stick of incense, and told him about the meeting that had just taken place, about Nam's decision to stay with Nam Cay for a long time, and about the future plans that she and he were building together. "Dad, I think, I have found someone who will accompany me on this path, not only because of love, but because he also believes in the values that you taught me to believe in," she whispered, her voice soft but filled with happiness. "I think, if dad was still here, he would definitely love Nam, just like me."

The flickering candlelight in front of the altar, like a silent but warm response from her deceased father, made Nghi feel complete peace spreading throughout her soul, preparing to enter a new chapter of life, full of love, faith, and a precious legacy that she will continue to preserve and develop for future generations.