Autumn

Author: Ba Jin
Publisher:
Publish Date: 2001-05-07
Features: Two years ago, during the bombing in Guangzhou, I and a few friends crouched under the staircase of a four-story Western-style building, hearing the explosions of bombs, the sweeping fire of machine guns, and the dive-bombing of planes. While waiting to die, I still thought about a few unfinished tasks, and I felt regret. The writing of "Autumn" was one of these things.
Excerpt: A month ago, there was some chaos near the city for a few days. The city gates were closed for three days. My home was also hit by shells, and everyone was worried for a while, but then it returned to safety. Now we are living peaceful lives. However, recently I am really exhausted, encountering nothing but misfortunes. My aunt was displeased because her fifth brother took in Xier as a concubine during his mourning period, and her third brother did not stop him. Last year, during the Double Ninth Festival, I encountered my fourth aunt and Aunt Chen arguing at my home, heard some idle talk, and returned home unhappy. After that, she pretended to be sick and no longer came to my home.