Owe life a smile

　　It's been so long since I felt the urge to write; the words have gathered a thick layer of dust. My fingers tap out on the keyboard, a bottle of cola within reach. From the speakers, my favorite songs play softly, soothingly. Midnight, this moment, is serene.

　　I love the quiet of midnight, without deceit, without lies, listening to lonely songs, expressing my feelings, quietly merging with time.

　　I don't know when it started, but I haven't appreciated the freedom of sunrise and sunset. My steps are hurried, rushing about for a living.

　　Every day is busy, sometimes I don't even have time for a hot meal. Every day is a whirlwind, I can't even go home once. The burden of life weighs on my shoulders, unspoken words are hidden in my heart. Shoes can be replaced when they're worn out, but only I know the pain in my feet. How many times have I wanted to cry out loud, afraid of being looked down upon? How many times have I wanted to run away, yet worried about my family?

　　Life requires you to keep busy. When you're tired and bitter, you have to bear it all yourself. Even if tears fall, you have to swallow them silently. Not everyone understands, not every heart aches. Some stories can only be told to yourself.

　　Living is not easy. Look at others, think about yourself. Parents above, children below—there's no right to rest, no right to give up.

　　Life is always filled with worries. Time slips away in sighs. What I possess becomes increasingly uncertain, increasingly anxious. I just want to live well, but I never imagined it would be so difficult.

　　Some truths are easy to use to persuade others, but hard to use to convince yourself. Perhaps that's just how life is, always caught in self-contradiction.

　　Day after day, year after year, how many people can remain steadfast? How many are content with mediocrity? How many can truly give their all, without desire or expectation?

　　I owe life a debt of perseverance.

　　Yes, living is never easy for anyone. Whether poor or rich, we all strive for our families. When we're tired, we hope someone understands; when we're suffering, we hope someone knows; when we're lost, we hope someone guides us. We carry the heavy responsibility of supporting our families on our shoulders, and our only family members in our hearts. This is a responsibility we cannot shirk.

　　I owe life a smile, courage, and perseverance.

　　Only I know what life has given me.

　　Don't make yourself suffer, don't ruin your health, don't endure too much injustice, don't stay up too late, because I need to provide for my family and protect them from the storms of life.

　　I'm willing to endure any hardship to make my family happy. With love in my eyes and home in my heart, I must love myself well.

　　Give life a smile. Everything will become sunny!