A Bowl of Fish Tofu Potato Noodles Eaten for Thirty Years
When the sunset flooded the road, the old lady indeed arrived. Leaning on her cane, she trembled as she tried to step over the threshold.
I dashed over and carefully helped her inside. The previous owner had instructed me meticulously before leaving, saying that a silver-haired old lady would come every evening to eat potato noodles.
As soon as she entered, the dim room was instantly brightened by her silver hair.
A room full of young people turned their surprised gazes towards her, but the old lady pursed her lips, seemingly unfazed.
She ordered a bowl of fish tofu potato noodles. I looked at her, a bit hesitant. How about some hand-pulled noodles?
She shook her head firmly, insisting on potato noodles.
She then asked for an extra set of bowls and chopsticks, and shakily divided the steaming potato noodles in half. Her withered hands trembled as she placed one portion in front of the opposite seat. Her stern face softened. She gazed at the opposite bowl of noodles and began to chatter away. From time to time, little blushes bloomed across her wrinkled face.
She ate very slowly. Customers came and went, but the old lady continued to chat, seemingly savoring every moment. Occasionally, she would sip some soup with her spoon, but that was all.
The old lady was very punctual. As long as the sunset flooded the road, I would go to the door to help her, because the steps at the entrance were quite high. Every day, without fail, she had a bowl of fish tofu potato noodles, divided it into two, and chatted away. Only when the sky grew dim did she reluctantly leave.
One day, the old lady seemed different. She looked as if she had dressed up carefully. Her clothes were new, she had a bit of lipstick on, and a purple hairpin in her silver hair.
Shortly after she sat down, a young couple came in and sat at the table next to her.
They also ordered one bowl of potato noodles, feeding each other sweetly.
The old lady suddenly waved to me and asked if we had any wine.
I shook my head; the shop didn’t have any wine.
However, I had some daughter’s red wine stored personally. I asked if she minded. She shook her head. As I poured a glass and handed it to her, I noticed tears shimmering in her eyes.
She glanced around the shop; there weren’t many customers. She motioned for me to sit opposite her. I poured another glass and accompanied her in drinking.
“Your hairpin is beautiful!” I sincerely praised.
She shyly touched it and said, “He gave it to me many years ago. I was always reluctant to wear it. I’m leaving soon, so I wore it to show him.”
She took a small sip of wine, disregarding my puzzled expression, and continued, “Back then, he was in the army, and we were often apart. He loved fish tofu potato noodles. Every time he came back, I would accompany him to eat them. I didn’t really like them, but he would always ask for an extra bowl and share some with me. He ate, and I talked, never running out of things to say.”
The old lady was silent for a long time before speaking again, “That year, he went on a disaster relief mission and never returned… I felt like he was still here, so I came every day to accompany him to eat his favorite fish tofu potato noodles and chat with him. But yesterday, my son came back and told me he’s been gone for 30 years. My son doesn’t feel comfortable leaving me alone and insists on taking me to the city where they live. I can no longer come to your shop to eat potato noodles with him.”
After speaking, the old lady cried like a child.
In the days she no longer came, the shop always felt like something was missing.
Every evening, when the sunset flooded the road, I got used to standing at the door for a while. Looking at the spot where the old lady often sat, I would always think of that bowl of fish tofu potato noodles she ate for 30 years and her love, and I couldn’t help but shed tears.
Thank you for reading! ” Sitestorys “
