My siblings

Author: Lao She
Publisher:
Publish Date: 2005-07-01
Features: Our separation was quite painful. I sent him to the boat, and he was already tear-streaked. I shook his hand and said, "Take care on the journey." Just as I was about to step down, he called me back. He went into the cabin, opened a box, took out a record for me, and choked up, saying, "Take this and listen." — Ba Jin, The Elder Brother
When I was at home, whenever your younger sister's birthday came around, your older brother would always comb your fine braids and personally peel the eggs that your mother had boiled for you. Ten years have passed since I left, yet I've always forgotten the exact date of your birthday—this is something you should scold me for. This year, as summer arrived, I reminded myself constantly that I must celebrate your coming of age on time. — Jia Pingwa, A Letter to My Younger Sister on Her Birthday