Old Wang held a compressed biscuit in his hands, biting it in small bites, his eyes determined and determined. Recalling the hardships of the past, he knew that having such food now was a great blessing and must be cherished. The others were the same, focused on the food in their hands, relishing every flavor, every nutrient. On this vast ocean, every bite of food was a continuation of life, a hope for the future. They cherished it, knowing that only by doing so could they have a chance to escape this difficult situation and hope to once again step onto solid ground.
However, as time passed, the long hours of wandering and the distant, uncertain future weighed like a heavy pall, bringing a crushing mental strain upon them. Each sunrise and sunset was a repetition of endless loneliness and helplessness, weighing ever heavier on their hearts. Anxiety, like a fine spiderweb, silently spread within them. They began to worry constantly about whether their food and water would last until the next moment, whether their boat would break apart in a sudden storm, and whether they would be lost forever in the vast ocean. Fear grew quietly and steadily. Every night, darkness enveloped everything, and the crashing of the waves seemed like a countdown to death. They feared closing their eyes, fearing they would wake up to an even more hopeless situation. Horrible scenarios constantly surfaced in their minds: the possibility that a ferocious sea monster would capsize their boat at any moment, and that they would never see land or their loved ones again. This mental strain kept their nerves on edge, preventing them from even a moment's rest. Every subtle sound, every lurch of the boat, can cause their hearts to tighten. They become sensitive and irritable, only to sink deeper into helplessness and depression after their anger. The prolonged mental torture has left their faces haggard, their eyes devoid of their former brilliance, leaving only a deep exhaustion and a fear of the unknown.
"How much longer will we have to drift? Can we really survive?" Questions like these flashed through their minds like ghosts. Whenever night fell and the sea was swallowed by darkness, leaving only the sparse starlight above, this question would quietly surface. Xiao Yi lay in the small cabin, staring at the dark ceiling, his thoughts involuntarily occupied by this question. His eyes became empty, as if he could see through the wooden planks into an endless and confusing future. As Li Hua steered, his hands tightly gripped the steering wheel. The sea breeze brushed across his face, but he was unaware. The question was like a sharp thorn, piercing his mind again and again, making his heart tighten. He stared at the dark sea ahead, not knowing where it ended, wondering if he was dreaming a nightmare from which he would never wake up. Lao Wang was mending the tattered sail when his hands suddenly paused, his mind instantly filled with this question. He thought of his family far away, of the warm land, and tears welled up in his eyes. He wondered if he'd ever have the chance to set foot on familiar land again, to embrace his loved ones once more. As others rested wearily, searched for a glimmer of hope, or gazed blankly at the boundless sea, this dreaded question would suddenly surge forth, piercing their already fragile hearts. Each passing thought was like a heavy blow to their hearts, dimming their ray of hope even further and pushing their spirits ever closer to collapse.
But Xiao Yi and the others understood deeply that they must not be ruthlessly defeated by fear. In this difficult time, they chose to stick together and encourage each other. Whenever someone's eyes revealed the haze of despair, Xiao Yi would always be the first to step forward. He would gently pat the other person's shoulder and say in a firm and warm voice: "Brother, don't lose heart, we will definitely get through this! As long as we are united, nothing can stop us!" His eyes were full of trust and expectation, as if they could dispel the darkness in the other person's heart. When everyone was exhausted, Li Hua would also recount the stories he had heard of the brave people who fought back in difficult situations. He said with emotion: "Think about it, those people faced much greater difficulties than us, but they didn't give up. We can't either!" Everyone sat together, listening quietly, and the spark of hope gradually ignited in their eyes. Old Wang would share his years of life experience, saying earnestly, "Children, there are no insurmountable obstacles in life. This is just one of the challenges we face. Grit your teeth and you'll get through it!" His weathered face, etched with determination, inspired everyone. Others would speak up, sharing their beautiful visions for the future. Some expressed a desire to return home and reunite with their families; others expressed a desire to restart their lives and fulfill their unfulfilled dreams. They listened to each other, offering comfort, allowing hope and faith to take root and grow in everyone's hearts. On this small boat, their voices mingled, forming a powerful force. Every encouraging look, every warm embrace, every empowering word, was like a beacon in the darkness, illuminating each other's path forward. Amidst this endless wandering, they remained courageous and determined, forging ahead resolutely into the unknown.
"As long as we're together, we'll find a way out." These warm words, like a shining star of hope, slowly rose above the cold, boundless sea, conveying a powerful strength capable of withstanding all cold and despair. As Xiao Yi spoke these words, his voice slightly hoarse but filled with determination, everyone's eyes instantly focused on him. There was no hesitation or retreat in his eyes, only determination and hope for the future. His voice seemed to possess a magical power, piercing the howling sea breeze and crashing waves, reaching everyone's ears clearly. Beside him, Li Hua's tense expression relaxed slightly upon hearing these words. He nodded solemnly and replied, "Yes, Xiao Yi is right. Together, we can overcome any difficulty!" His voice, though fatigued, was filled with trust in his companions. Old Wang patted his chest with a rough hand and declared, "With so many of us united in purpose and united in strength, what's there to worry about? We can't find a way out!" His words resonated like a resounding bell, rippling through the hearts of the crowd. Others echoed, their voices rising and falling, mingling in unison. These warm words reverberated through the icy air, forming an invisible barrier, shutting out the cold, fear, and despair of the outside world. Every word, every syllable, carried their longing for survival and their yearning for the future. This strength flowed among them, from one heart to another, reviving their flagging morale and reaffirming their wills that had been on the verge of collapse. Across this vast ocean, these simple yet powerful words became their spiritual anchor, sustaining them as they journeyed through the unknown, bravely searching for a glimmer of hope, embracing the light of hope that might yet arrive.
This chapter is not over yet, please click on the next page to continue reading!
Continue read on readnovelmtl.com
