On the long journey of life, we carry dreams and rush to various places with hurried steps, our eyes filled with the mountains, rivers, lakes, and seas of the outside world, the neon lights of the city, and a heart full of longing to witness every bit of splendor.
But after wandering around, we discover that although the world is vast, what truly soothes the soul and holds all our joys and sorrows is but a courtyard.
In the early morning, as the dawn breaks, the first rays of sunlight gently spill over the courtyard wall, casting a dappled light on the stone path, as if to the curtain on a new day in the courtyard.
At the corner of the courtyard stands an old locust tree, like a loyal guardian, quietly upright, its leaves rustling in the wind, singing the song of the long years.
At this time, setting up a simple wooden table under the tree, placing a few small stools, and brewing a pot of steaming coarse tea, the aroma of tea spreads.
The family sits together, chatting about the day's plans or reminiscing about funny past events, with laughter echoing in the air, filling the new day with vitality.
As the sun rises higher, the courtyard becomes lively, turning into a sea of joy.
Children laugh and run on the open ground, chasing each other, paper planes draw beautiful arcs in the air, and colorful shuttlecocks flip up and down with light steps, with joyful noises rising and falling.
In the flower bed, flowers compete for brilliance, roses are delicate and charming, daisies are elegant and fresh, bees and butterflies shuttle through them, busy non-stop, as if holding a grand ball.
Adults, some with watering cans, carefully tend to the flowers, their eyes full of tenderness; some set up easels under the tree, capturing beautiful moments with brushes, where pigments and sunlight interweave, painting the poetry of life.
At noon, when the sun is scorching, the grape trellis in the courtyard becomes a cool haven. The purple grapes hang like strings of agate, their fragrance enticing.
Lay out a mat, put soft pillows, and people lie lazily, casually picking a few grapes and putting them in their mouths, with sweet juice overflowing.
The outside world's heat and noise are blocked by the green shade, leaving only a quiet and cool space, as if time has slowed down.
In the evening, the setting sun paints the courtyard in warm orange, like a painting.
A breeze blows, bringing coolness and dispersing the fatigue of the day. Set up a barbecue rack in a corner of the courtyard, with food sizzling on the charcoal, and the aroma is irresistible.
Friends and relatives come one after another, sitting together, toasting and chatting, sharing the details of life.
Children chase and play, or squat to watch ants moving in the corner of the wall, their eyes full of curiosity.
As night falls, the stars twinkle, and the courtyard is immersed in tranquility. The moonlight is like water, draping the courtyard in a dreamy silver veil.
Turn off the lights, move a few chairs into the courtyard, look up at the starry sky, identify constellations, and thoughts drift far away.
Occasionally, a meteor streaks across the sky, and everyone quickly makes a wish, hoping for the continuation of beauty. The crickets in the corner sing softly, and the insects in the grass rustle, playing the music of the night.
The world's splendor is endless, but a small courtyard holds all the warmth of life.
It is a haven for the soul, a dwelling for emotions, no matter how big the wind and rain outside, stepping into the courtyard, one can find peace and satisfaction.
After all, no matter how big the world is, it is ultimately just a courtyard, holding a lifetime of attachment and happiness for people.