Chapter 14 — The Poor and Honored Soldier

Peaceful, steady. My career continues. Trieu Cam Thu's research continues. The new life in her belly grows every day. Everything is moving towards the good. Sometimes I will remember the blind date dinner a year ago. That frowning moment. I could only go home twice a year—— At that time, I felt that it was not something I could accept. Not criticizing. It's heartbreaking. During eight years at the border, I couldn't even go home once. I understand that feeling. Loneliness seeps into your bones. The feeling of helplessness when on holidays you can only be stunned in front of four empty walls. I don't want anyone else to have to live like that. So then I frowned. The result was considered "disparaging". Now that I think about it, fate is indeed very interesting. That frown made the future mother-in-law angry. As soon as she got angry, I turned around and left. After turning around, I met Trieu Cam Thu. Trieu Cam Thu——she doesn't need me to worry about the "twice a year" problem. Because she chose to come to me. Take a meandering turn. Indeed, the best people need to wait. November. The child is born. Boy. Weighs three pounds and six pounds. The voice was especially loud. As soon as she left the delivery room, she cried so loudly that the whole floor could hear it. Trieu Chan Quoc flew in from the military region. Before he even entered the hospital room, he shouted in the hallway: "Where is my grandchild?! Let me see my grandchild!" The nurse was startled. My mother and Trieu Chan Quoc rushed in front of the baby's crib at the same time, almost crashing into each other.
“Like Xuyen Tu.” my mother said.
“Nonsense, clearly looks like my daughter.” Trieu Chan Quoc was not convinced.
The two almost quarreled over who the child resembled. Trieu Cam Thu lies on the bed, her body is weak but her spirit is not bad. I sat by the bed, holding her hand.
“It's been hard.”
She tilted her head and looked at me: "Have you thought of a name yet?"
"Already."
“What name?”
“Ly An.”
She blinked: “The word An in peace?”
"YES." I lowered my head to look at her pale face, "Just be safe. Nothing else is important."
She smiled, her fingers curled slightly in my palm.
"Okay. Ly An."
Outside the hospital room, Trieu Chan Quoc and my mother were still arguing about who the child looked like. Chu Dinh ran back and forth in the hallway to help get things. Sunlight shines in from the window, falls on the baby's crib, and falls on Trieu Cam Thu's face. This hospital room is noisy, not quiet at all. But I feel—— This is what I want to protect. Eight years ago, when I was nineteen years old, I wore a military uniform and left this city, I had nothing. No money. No name. No one. There is only a lonely enthusiasm and a pair of fists. Eight years later, today. I have a medal. Have teammates. Have a lover. Have a son. Have a complete family. The corn leaves outside the window were rustled by the wind. Trieu Cam Thu closed her eyes, her breathing gradually slowed down and became even. I leaned against the back of the chair, looking at everything. Still holding her hand. Don't let go. These hands. Used to hold guns, knives, and relics of comrades. Now it's finally possible—— Peacefully embrace someone. Don't let go.