7
Twenty years later, I walked out of the sealed
lab.
I was greeted by the director, former
colleagues, and my students.
Everyone’s eyes were full of tears.
It was excitement, but it was also emotion.
After fifty years of research, and countless
failures, we had finally succeeded.
We had surpassed other developed countries
and would have a greater say in international
affairs.
At this moment, the hats will be completely
removed!
There were flowers and applause.
I stood in the center of the crowd.
I accepted the reporter’s interviews, the leaders‘
salute, and the cheers of thousands of people.
Until the spotlight shone on me.
The crowd went silent.
My image was projected onto the screen behind
- me.
On the screen was a mottled old man.
I’m only fifty years old.
But I have no hair, no teeth.
16
<
I am blind in one eye and half of my face is
destroyed.
Just standing here, my heart has been
tightening.
I was able to celebrate with everyone here, with
the joy of the experiment.
“Teacher, you are…”
I saw a former student of mine in the crowd.
The former student no longer looked immature.
Today, the crow’s feet at the corners of her
eyes also shows the ruthless passage of time
over the past 20 years.
I took the microphone and gently replied: “I’m
fine, everything is worth it.”
During this project, I, like my teacher, caused a
nuclear radiation leak due to improper
operation.
I was luckier than my teacher.
My partner helped me block most of the
radiation.
So I was able to stay in that position for ten
more years and complete the mission.
My partner had already left ten years ago.
<
I’m standing here.
It represents not only myself.
It also involves everyone who participated in
this project.
Glory does not belong to me alone.
Glory also belongs to them.
I wanted to shout out their names, even if my
throat was damaged and even if every word
took all my strength.
I want the world to know they existed.
My hoarse voice was not pleasant, but it could
be so touching.
Every time I called out a person’s name.
There was a thunderous applause from the
audience.
Until I finished all the names.
I lost strength and my body began to sway.
Everyone shouted “Teacher“.
A warm embrace suddenly caught me.
I looked up and it was John.
We hadn’t seen each other for 20 years.
He was as handsome as ever.
I gently pushed him away: “This is not good, let
く
someone else help me.”
His eyes were red: “How is it not good, I am
your husband, it should be me.”
He carried me on his shoulders.
Standing beside him was a pretty girl with non-
stop tears.
I recognized her at a glance. My daughter, Lily.
“Mom, Mom… I’m sorry, Mom…”
She apologized so sincerely.
But silly girl.
It should be me who is sorry.
After all.
I have not fulfilled the responsibility of a
mother.
