In the far north, there stands a solitary lighthouse on a desolate coastline. It is very old, its bricks weathered and its windows broken, but its light has never been extinguished. The lighthouse keeper is an old man named Old Tom, whose silver hair flows in the wind, and whose face is etched with the marks of time.
Old Tom has been guarding this lighthouse for decades. His wife died in a storm many years ago, and his children have long since left for the bustling city. But he has never thought of leaving, because this lighthouse is his responsibility and his only connection to the world.
It was a cold winter night, the sky was overcast, the wind howled, and the waves surged. Old Tom stood atop the lighthouse, gazing out at the dark ocean through the blurry window. His eyes were resolute and focused, for the storm that night was fiercer than ever before.
Just then, he saw a small boat. It was rocking precariously in the waves, seemingly about to be swallowed by a giant wave. Old Tom's heart sank; he knew that the people on that boat were facing a life-or-death crisis.
He immediately lit the lighthouse, making it shine even brighter in the darkness. However, the storm was too strong, and the light seemed to be swallowed by the darkness, unable to penetrate it at all. Old Tom was sweating profusely; he knew he had to do something.
He rushed down from the lighthouse, grabbed a long stick, and lit a campfire. Then, with all his might, he raised the stick high, letting the firelight flicker in the wind. He shouted, hoping the people on the ship could see the faint light.
Time ticked by, and old Tom's strength began to wane. His voice grew hoarse, and his arms ached terribly. But he did not give up, for he knew that the people on that ship were clinging to this one and only hope.
Finally, he witnessed a miracle. The small boat struggled to turn in the waves and headed towards him. Its lights flickered, as if answering his calls. A look of relief crossed Old Tom's eyes; he knew his efforts had not been in vain.
As the small boat approached the shore, the people on board waved their thanks to him. They were a group of young explorers who had planned to sail the seas, but the sudden storm had disrupted their plans. Without old Tom's lamp and campfire, they might have perished at sea long ago.
"Sir, you saved us!" a young girl exclaimed excitedly.
Old Tom smiled slightly and waved his hand: "I just did what I was supposed to do."
The storm finally subsided the next morning. Sunlight shone on the sea, making it sparkle. Old Tom stood before the lighthouse, gazing at the distant ocean. He knew that this lighthouse would continue to protect this sea, just as he had always protected it.
“Sir, would you like to go out to sea with us?” The young girl came to the lighthouse again.
Old Tom smiled and shook his head: "My place is here, but you must remember that no matter what difficulties you encounter, you must be like that lamp, never going out."
Those energetic and vibrant young explorers, filled with respect and gratitude, all turned their gaze toward the man named Old Tom.
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