Go
After knocking his head to the ground three times, Jasmine’s grandfather looked up. “Robert Zelman, former platoon leader of the Fourth Military District Artillery Battalion, apologizes to the orphan of a martyr and acknowledges his sins.”
Tears streamed down his face as he slowly recounted his story. “After retiring from the army, I went into business. Because I was so busy, I neglected the discipline of my children and grandchildren, which led to today’s tragedy. Although I’m no longer a soldier, the spirit of the army still lives in me. Today, my family has made a grave mistake. No matter how you choose to punish them–or even me–I will not object.”
He lowered his head, his demeanor full of humility. Perhaps at that moment, he realized his lifelong reputation had been destroyed in a single day. Furthermore, the ones who shattered his belief as a soldier were his own
children.
My silence was the most significant punishment I could give him. Afterward, investigations into the people involved at the university began immediately. It was confirmed that Jasmine, Lily and others had bullied their classmates. Their qualification for the guaranteed postgraduate study was canceled and they were expelled from the university.
Jasmine’s father, who bribed officials and manipulated processes, was thoroughly exposed, along with the forces backing him. They now face the full extent of the law.
As the counselor who accepted bribes, Cynthia was expelled from the council, had their teaching qualifications revoked and was permanently banned from teaching. Carl Chapman, who had harassed students, was sued by the victims‘ families and awaits trial. The principal was found guilty of embezzling public funds and accepting bribes. His illegal earnings were confiscated and he was sent to prison.
The university restored my reputation, reinstated my academic status and gave me priority consideration for awards. The scholarship that was rightfully mine was finally returned.
8:52 AM
1 Be Your Pride
C
Grandpa Miles worried I might feel lonely, so he applied several times and finally transferred me to his household registration. The Meyers were overjoyed, hosting a grand party to welcome me as their newest member.
Even though it wasn’t my birthday, they still fought over who got to put the birthday hat on my head and sang the birthday song around me. “This is wonderful. Now I have another daughter,” Grandpa Miles said.
“Yelena, from now on, I am your brother. I’ve got your back,” one of the Meyer brothers teased. I felt like I indeed
had a new home.
One beautiful sunny morning, my new mother busied herself, dressing me in new clothes and putting light. makeup on me. She smiled mysteriously, only saying that we were going to meet someone. I hesitated because I
also had a secret I wanted to tell them.
The car drove for a while and stopped at the Martyrs‘ Cemetery. A row of soldiers had been waiting for a long
time in front of a grave covered with flowers. Seeing this scene made my eyes well up with tears.
I walked forward with heavy steps. The sun shone on the military star on the tombstone, gleaming brightly.
Beneath the red star lay my grandfather, parents and brother.
Grandpa Miles placed a bouquet and wiped away tears. He gazed at my grandfather’s tombstone as if chatting
with an old friend. “Old comrade, don’t worry. This little girl is so well–behaved–truly worthy of being your
descendant.”
“You wouldn’t blame me, would you? Well, even if you did, it’s too late. This sweet granddaughter is mine now.”
His voice broke as he said the last sentence.
I gently traced the names engraved on the tombstone as if caressing their faces. “Grandpa, Mom, Dad, Brother- I’m so happy. I truly feel content now.”
My mother quickly came to support me. “Good girl, from now on, focus on your studies. Leave your future to us.”
“I’m not going to university anymore,” I said softly.
The air suddenly became quiet. Grandpa Miles gave me a perplexed look. “What? Who made you feel wronged?”
I shook my head, a relieved smile on my face. “I applied to join the army. My application has been approved.”
At that moment, everyone fell silent. Then, a gentle breeze brushed against my face, like my mother’s whisper. The morning sun painted the horizon in brilliant colors.
I gazed at the sea of tombstones stretching far and wide. Green hills bury loyal bones everywhere; why need
horse hide to shroud their return?
Mom, Dad. I will also become your pride.
(The End)
