We continued our ascent to the mountain top, and no one spoke again.
As we neared the summit, my phone rang. I opened it to find a news alert. A severe earthquake had struck Harbin, causing numerous buildings to collapse, and the casualty situation was unclear.
I looked up at Ma Gang. He took out his phone and answered a call.
"Okay, we're regrouping now."
After hanging up, he turned to me and said, "We're heading to the disaster area."
I nodded. "I understand."
Ma Gang didn't leave me alone on the mountain path; he carried me down.
When we reached the foot of the mountain, he took a taxi to leave. Before the car started, he rolled down the window and said to me, "I promise you, I will come back to celebrate your birthday."
I smiled and nodded.
The car drove away, gradually disappearing into the rain and mist.
I watched the direction in which it vanished, my smile slowly fading.
I raised my hand to cover my chest as my heart raced uncontrollably.
Ma Gang, you must return safely.
In the days that followed, I monitored the news about the Harbin earthquake every day. People trapped under the rubble struggled on the brink of death, while rescuers raced against time; every minute and second was a miracle of life.
I became immersed in various reports, unable to pull myself away. I had never felt so deeply concerned for someone as I did now.
I sent a WeChat message to Ma Gang.
"Ma Gang, I'm waiting for you to come back."
The message sank like a stone in the sea, with no response.
He was probably too busy to check his phone.
Maybe he was too tired and didn't want to reply even if he saw the message.
I comforted myself and continued to wait.
I went to the Blood Donation Center to donate blood and then volunteered at the Disaster Relief Center.
In the bustling crowd, I searched for the figures of volunteers and rescue personnel.
I knew that Ma Gang was among them.
Ma Gang, I believe in you; you will definitely come back safely.
During these days without Ma Gang, I felt uneasy every day.
Time seemed to pass particularly slowly, with each day feeling like a century.
Finally, it was my birthday.
That day, I went to the prison.
Through the thick glass window, I looked at my mother inside.
I said, "Mom, I'm in love."
My mom smiled, "Really? Tell me about him; what kind of boy is he?"
"He's a SWAT officer," I said.
"His name is Ma Gang; he's over six feet tall, slim, and very energetic."
My mom smiled even more happily, "SWAT is good; they have guns and can protect you."
I laughed along with her, but as I laughed, my nose started to feel sour.
My mom's smile faded as she asked, "What's wrong?"
I shook my head, "It's nothing."
My mom said, "If you're in a relationship, bring him over for me to meet."
I nodded, not mentioning that Ma Gang was off helping with disaster relief and wasn't by my side.
My mom looked at me, worry etched on her face. " Xiao Hong, I'm just concerned about you, about that matter..."
"Mom, I know," I interrupted her.
"I'm fine. I've been seeing a doctor, taking medication, and getting treatment."
My mom hesitated, then sighed deeply. "Sigh!"
After the visit ended, I walked out of the prison.
The sky was a deep blue, and the sunlight was blinding.
When I got home, I opened WeChat and saw that my chat with Ma Gang had not progressed since half a month ago.
I felt a bit disappointed.
He had promised me he would celebrate my birthday with me.
That evening, I received a food delivery; when I opened it, there was a birthday cake inside.
Ma Gang still hadn't returned.
I unwrapped the packaging to find a fruit cake topped with a heart surrounded by a circle of roses.
It was quite beautiful.
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