In June, the time came for Gao Jiaxing and Xia Xiao to leave the island. To wash away the heaviness of the past months, the troops held a farewell party for them.
Everyone pitched in, slaughtering chickens and pigs, fishing, and casting nets—it was an incredibly lively scene.
And on this day, the Military Wives insisted Xia Xiao take it easy and just sit back and wait to eat.
Xia Xiao felt deeply moved. Over the years, everyone had grown so close, and now that the time to part was near, she found it tough to let go.
But all feasts must come to an end, gatherings and partings are a part of life. Perhaps years from now, their family might return, or perhaps they'll go somewhere else—who knows when fate will allow them to gather again.
That evening, during the bonfire party, the soldiers and Military Wives were equally joyous. The children bounced around, playing and laughing heartily, filling the air with happiness.
