Xia Wan and Xia Tao's suitcases were neatly arranged at the door. The wheels of the suitcases moved gently on the ground from time to time, making a dull sound, "glug, glug," one after another. The sound was like a countdown timer specially set up by fate, each sound hitting the heart of everyone in the room, making their heartstrings tremble slightly.

The sound seemed to be a relentless reminder that the time spent together was coming to an end and the moment of separation was drawing ever closer. Every passing second felt like a tug at the invisible emotional bond between family members.

Xia Jianguo stood to the side, his posture slightly hunched, the weight of years seemingly bending his once straight spine overnight.

His eyes were full of love and reluctance, his gaze occasionally sweeping over the two children. His lips parted slightly, the words of advice he wanted to give lingering on his tongue, but he couldn't bring himself to say them.

Time has mercilessly etched deep and shallow lines on his face, each line like an unspeakable story, bearing witness to the vicissitudes and hardships of life.

The white hair at his temples was particularly striking in the morning light, a mark of the passage of time and a silent testament to his lifelong toil for his family.

His once resolute gaze was now filled with reluctance and concern. He looked at Xia Wan and Xia Tao quietly, like an old bird watching its fledglings, whose wings were growing strong, about to leave the nest. His eyes were full of affection and worry. It was as if, in this instant, he saw the children as they were when they were young, and he also saw their figures as they ventured out on their own in the future.

His thoughts drifted back to the past, recalling how Xia Wan, as a child, had once fallen and scraped her knee while playing in the yard, her sharp cry shattering the tranquil afternoon.

With tears welling up in her eyes and blood seeping from the wound on her knee, the little girl limped and cried as she ran towards him for comfort.

He tenderly picked her up and sat her under the old locust tree in the yard, gently blowing on her wound. Xia Wan clung tightly to his neck, her dependent look still vivid in his mind, her cries still echoing in his ears.

I also remembered Xia Tao's first day of school, his small body carrying a slightly oversized schoolbag filled with brand-new books and stationery.

He stood at the doorway, his face full of anticipation and a hint of nervousness, his toes tapping lightly on the ground, his eyes sparkling with curiosity and longing for the unknown world.

Xia Jianguo stood at the door, watching his son's small figure gradually disappear into the distance. His heart was filled with expectations for his son's future studies. At that moment, he felt both gratified by his son's growth and worried about him facing the world alone.

These memories flooded his mind, making him even more reluctant to let the children leave. He knew that this separation meant the children would embark on their own journeys, facing the storms and challenges alone, and all he could do was offer silent support from behind.

"Dad, don't worry, we'll call you when we get there," Xia Wan said softly, her voice carrying a gentle reassurance, trying to soothe the worry in her father's eyes.

She stepped forward with light steps, gently took her father's arm, hoping to dispel his worries with her warmth.

She could clearly feel her father's arm trembling slightly, a true manifestation of his reluctance and concern. Her heart clenched, and her eyes reddened slightly.

At that moment, she suddenly realized that her father was no longer the omnipotent superman. He also felt worried and reluctant to part with his children. Time had left deep marks on him.

Xia Jianguo nodded slightly, a smile tugging at the corners of his mouth, trying to reassure the children as they left, but the smile couldn't hide the loneliness in his eyes.

He gently patted Xia Wan's hand. Her hands were broad and warm, but also covered with calluses from years of hard work. Each callus told a story of the hardships of life, and each line recorded the sacrifices she had made for her family.

“Okay, take good care of yourself while you’re away. Be sure to tell your family if anything happens.” He paused, then added, his voice filled with unwavering determination, “If you suffer any injustice, come back. Your home will always be your safe haven.”

His gaze lingered between the two children, as if trying to etch their images deep into his heart, so that the memory would never fade. He wanted to remember what the children looked like at this moment, and to remember their courage and determination as they embarked on their journey.

When it was almost time, Xia Xiong insisted on personally taking them to the train station, despite everyone's advice against it.

He was waiting at the door early, wearing his old, faded coat that he had worn for many years. Every crease and every wear and tear carried countless precious memories.

It witnessed Xia Xiong's youth, his days and nights of hard work for his family, and every little detail of the family's life, from the children's laughter to the ups and downs of daily life.

His eyes held an unwavering determination, as if he wanted to pour all his love for his grandchildren into this final moment, making every second incredibly precious.

Everyone remained silent throughout the journey, broken only by the roar of car engines, which echoed through the empty streets, further emphasizing the weight of parting.

The atmosphere inside the car was so oppressive that it was hard to breathe. Everyone was immersed in the emotions of parting, unable to extricate themselves. It was as if time had frozen at this moment, leaving only the sorrow of parting spreading in the air.

The scenery outside the car window slowly receded, and those familiar streets, shops, and parks were now shrouded in the sorrow of parting.

Every familiar corner holds their memories, but now they have all become footnotes to their farewell.

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