Chapter 13 — The Poor and Honored Soldier

"The research institute of the military region where your unit is stationed. I talked with the instructor, and the director here also agreed to accept it."
My movements stopped.
"Why?"
“Because I don't want to only see you twice a year.”
When she said this, her voice was very calm. It's like presenting a scientific conclusion. But I heard another layer of meaning hidden in that sentence—— We meet twice a year. Exactly the same as her original job status. And the reason why I frowned at the dinner table——was because of this sentence.
“I only see my family twice a year, which is too little.”
That's what I said to Vuong Giai at that time. Now, Trieu Cam Thu uses actions to give me the answer. She didn't want me to be forced to accept "twice a year". She chose to come here on her own. I was silent for a long time. The wind blew across the grassy slopes, carrying with it the smell of earth and dry grass.
“Are you sure?” I said, “The foundation of the Institute of Military Science is larger.”
"Sure."
“No regrets?”
She turned her head and looked at me seriously: "Ly Xuyen, before making any decision, I fully evaluate the benefits and harms. The evaluation result of this decision is——the benefits outweigh the harms."
“What is benefit?”
"Older brother."
I tilted my head, meeting her eyes. Four eyes looked at each other. Her expression had no shame, no embarrassment. Just that straightforward seriousness. This seriousness is more powerful than any sweet words. I put my hand on her shoulder, pulling her closer. She leaned forward, her head on my shoulder.
“So——welcome to your transfer.”
"YES."
The wind swept across the hillside, from the distant barracks, bringing the final silence before the alarm bell. The starlight is very bright. At this moment, I feel that what I am holding is heavier than those medals. 【Chapter 9】 Spring of second year. Trieu Cam Thu completed his job transfer and officially moved to the military region's research institute. We live closer together, and it's easier to meet each other. But the state of seeing each other more or less has not fundamentally changed—I can still be suddenly called back, can still disappear for a few days, even a few weeks. Trieu Cam Thu never asked me where I went or what I did. When I returned, she just took one look at me, confirming there were no new injuries. Then say one sentence: "You're home. Let's eat." This chemistry is the greatest gift that eight years of military service gave me. Not everyone can endure the days of "not knowing where the person you love is, not knowing if he can return." But Trieu Cam Thu can. Because she understands the price of this path. Also because she is the one walking on that path. One day in May. When I returned from completing my mission, I saw a medical examination form on the table. Not mine. It's from Trieu Cam Thu. On the ticket there was a line of data that she circled with a red pen. HCG index. Positive. I stood in front of the table, staring at that red circle for a full ten seconds. Then there was the sound of a key turning outside the door. Trieu Cam Thu pushed the door and walked in, carrying a bag of fruit in her hand. Seeing me standing by the table, she stopped.
“Are you back?” She put down the fruit, “I thought it would be tomorrow——”
“This.” I pointed to the slip on the table.
She followed my finger, then nonchalantly said: “Yeah, about six last week.”
“When did you know?”
“The other day.”
“Why didn't you tell me?”
“I'm on a mission.” She walked over, folded the ticket twice and stuffed it into her pocket, "This won't be urgent for a day or two."
I looked at her. She also looked at me. Then the corners of his lips curled up: “What's wrong? Not happy?” I said nothing. Pull her firmly into your arms. Hug me tight. She made an "ah" sound, her hand on my chest: "Don't... don't use that force..." I loosened up a bit. Bow your head to look at her. She raised her face, the tips of her ears were slightly red.
“Fun.” I said.
Only two words. But I know she understands. Because she smiles. Not the usual calm, leisurely smile. But——the smile was defenseless, the corners of the eyes were slightly wet. That evening, I called my mother.
“Mom, I have something to say.”
“What?”
“Cam Thu is dead.”
The other end of the line was silent for two seconds. Then there was a scream——so loud that I had to hold the phone half a meter away from my ear.
“Really?! Oh my God! Mom is finally about to become a grandmother!!”
I heard a clicking sound on the other end of the line. Maybe my mother was excited and knocked something over.
“Tomorrow mom——no, today I'll pack up my things, I'll come over and take care of Cam Thu!”
“Mom, there's no need to rush——”
“What's not urgent? Mom's grandson! Urgent!"
Hang up. Say it and do it. The next day mom got on the high-speed train. After arriving, the first thing she did was not find me, but went straight to Trieu Cam Thu, looked her up and down, then held her hand: "Cam Thu, don't do heavy work in the future, mom is here!" Trieu Cam Thu was a little flustered by her enthusiasm and looked at me for help. I leaned against the doorframe, crossed my arms over my chest. Can't help. In front of my mother, my military rank has no effect. Life just goes by.