One day, Xiao You and A Ze were playing on the ridge of a field when they spotted an old man weaving small animals out of straw.
The old man's hands were skilled; he crafted a variety of small creatures, including rabbits, dogs, cats, and birds. Each one was lifelike and incredibly cute.
Xiao You and A Ze were mesmerized as they squatted beside the old man, watching him weave with rapt attention.
"Grandpa, can you teach us how to weave?" Xiao You asked.
The old man smiled and nodded, "Sure! What do you want to learn?"
"I want to learn how to weave a rabbit!" Xiao You exclaimed.
"I want to learn how to weave a dog," A Ze added.
The old man patiently taught them the basics of weaving, guiding them step by step.
Xiao You was quick to grasp the technique and soon learned how to weave a rabbit.
A Ze was a bit clumsier, but he was earnest in his efforts. After repeated practice, he finally managed to create a small dog.
Although his dog was somewhat crooked, he felt a surge of happiness because it was something he had made with his own hands.
Xiao You gifted her woven rabbit to A Ze, while A Ze gave his woven dog to Xiao You.
"This is our Friendship Token," Xiao You said.
A Ze nodded, carefully placing the rabbit into his pocket. He felt that it was the most precious gift he had ever received.
In the evening, they went together to watch the fireflies.
They didn’t catch any fireflies this time; instead, they sat quietly on the ridge, watching them dance in the night sky.
"A Ze," Xiao You suddenly said, "time flies so fast; summer vacation is almost over."
A Ze's heart sank as he realized that their joyful moments together were dwindling.
He felt reluctant—reluctant to part from Xiao You, reluctant to leave this field, and reluctant to say goodbye to the fireflies.
"Will you... will you come back?" A Ze asked.
Xiao You looked at A Ze, her eyes sparkling with light.
"Of course I'll come back," she said. "This is my home. How could I not return?"
A Ze let out a sigh of relief, smiling broadly.
"That's good," he said. "I'll be here waiting for you."
Xiao You nodded, believing that A Ze would definitely come back.
Their friendship was like the straw in this field, resilient and enduring.
Even when woven into various shapes, they remained tightly connected, never to be separated.
But the day of parting had arrived.
A Ze's parents called, telling him to return to the city tomorrow because school was starting early.
He shared the news with Xiao You. Although she had been mentally prepared, she still felt very sad.
"Are you leaving so soon?" Xiao You's voice trembled slightly.
A Ze nodded, feeling heavy-hearted as well.
"I... I will miss you," he said.
"I will miss you too," Xiao You replied.
They fell silent for a moment, unsure of what to say next.
"Let's go see the fireflies one last time," Xiao You suddenly suggested.
A Ze nodded in agreement.
They made their way to the familiar field for the last time.
The fireflies continued to dance in the night, but their glow seemed dimmer than before.
Xiao You and A Ze sat quietly on the ridge, watching the flickering lights, neither of them saying a word.
They both understood that this farewell was different from all the ones that had come before.
They had no idea when they would meet again.
"A Ze," Xiao You suddenly spoke, "do you remember our promise under the starry sky?"
A Ze nodded. "I remember."
"You must come back," Xiao You said, "you have to come back for me."
A Ze looked at Xiao You, her eyes filled with tears, yet her gaze was resolute.
"I promise," A Ze replied, "I will definitely return."
He reached out and tightly grasped Xiao You's hand.
Their hands, illuminated by the light of the fireflies, held firmly together.
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