In the darkness, Wei Ran led the donkey and walked in the dark behind Mahbubu, who was carrying two oil drums.
"There is a spring in front. It is very small, but the water is very sweet. When I was as old as Multaza, I often herded sheep in this area." Mahbubu introduced as he walked.
"I see you are very familiar with this place."
"Of course, this is where I grew up."
Mahbub sighed when he said this, "But I never thought that one day I would be fighting guerrillas here. During the years when I grew from the size of Multaza to the size of Habibullah, the Soviet Union made
I saw a whole new world, and I changed from a shepherd's child to a university teacher.
From this point of view, I am grateful to the Soviet Union."
"Until 10 years ago," Wei Ran sighed.
"yes"
Mahboob sneered, "It's no different from the description of the British I heard from my father. My grandfather longed for Britain. He could speak fluent English and once served as a translator for the British.
But my father hated the British. He was a soldier who fought against the British and killed many British people.
What about me?
I once yearned for the Soviet Union just like my grandfather longed for England, and I was lucky enough to live in Moscow for a while.
My child Habibullah hates the Soviet Union just like my father hated Britain, and at the same time yearns for the United States.
You see, there is actually no difference.
Even if one day Multaza begins to hate the United States, even if the United States starts to invade Afhan, I will not be surprised at all."
"You are a prophet," Wei Ran sighed, half jokingly and half seriously.
"The foolish and arrogant British united the tribes of Afhan"
Mahbub saw this land very clearly, “The Soviets allowed us primitive people living in the mountains to see a whole new world.
But he chose to invade us like the stupid and arrogant British, and he firmly believed that the war would end soon like the British back then."
"Then this war lasted for almost ten years," Wei Ran couldn't help but say.
"Yeah, almost ten years. In this almost ten years, I lost most of my children and family members, almost all my students, Habibullah lost the opportunity to study in the United States, Multaza even lost
Even the chance to go to school is gone.”
Mahbub shook his head and sighed, "I hope the price we paid can make our Soviet friends learn some lessons."
"They will pay a greater price," Weiran sighed, taking the disintegration of the Soviet Union as the price.
While chatting almost to himself, Mahbub, who was carrying a bucket, finally stopped at the door of a small cave, then took out a lighter and lit it.
Through the faint flame of the kerosene lighter, Wei Ran could roughly see that there was a spring the size of a finger on the rock wall inside the cave, which was less than one meter wide and one meter high but more than two meters deep.
Directly below the spring is a narrow pool made of gravel and gravel.
After pressing the bucket into the pool, filling it up and tightening the lid, Mahbub handed it to Wei Ran, and then pushed the second bucket in.
While the two of them were busy working, the roar of fighter jets came again above their heads. This made Wei Ran, who was helping to hold the kerosene lighter, immediately fasten the lid of the lighter and hide in the cave.
After a while, the roar of the fighter jets came from far to near, then from near to far, and finally disappeared completely.
By the time Wei Ran lit the lighter again, the second plastic bucket had been filled with clear spring water.
Helping Mahbub tie two heavy plastic buckets to both sides of the donkey's body, Wei Ran deliberately went into the cave, took out the British army kettle from the metal book, filled it with cold mountain spring water, and followed Mahbub towards
The direction from which it came.
"Early tomorrow morning, Habibullah and I will take you to the next guerrilla camp."
Mahboob said, "After your interview is over, I hope you can fulfill your promise."
"I will" Wei Ran made a serious promise, even though he was not sure about it.
When the two of them returned to the huge cave, Habibullah had already boiled hot milk and killed a goat. At this time, he was just waiting for the water to be put into the pot.
"We will leave early tomorrow morning"
Mahbub poured water into the pot with the mutton and said, "Multaza, you stay with the sheep. You are responsible for taking care of Ayana and Soraya."
"Okay" Multaza nodded.
"Let's send Victor to Abdul," Mahbub said to his youngest son Habibullah.
"Dad, are you going to let him..."
Before Habibullah finished speaking, he noticed that his father Mahbub pointed at the curtain behind him and made gestures on his stomach with his hand.
"Okay" Habibullah finally nodded and covered the lid of the small enamel pot.
In response, Wei Ran, who pretended not to understand what they were talking about, could only politely accept the cup of hot goat milk from Multaza, and then watched three generations of their grandparents wash their hands carefully.
Spread out a blanket in the corner of the cave, kneel on it, hold your hands in front of you, and perform the night prayer devoutly.
At the same time, he also vaguely heard the faint sound of pious chanting coming from the other side of the curtain opposite.
After tightening the blanket around his body, Wei Ran took off the cover of the British kettle, filled half a cup of water and placed it on the edge of the bonfire. Then he buried the kettle with the lid unscrewed in the hot sand.
Heat it up patiently.
The cold here is different from the winter in Leningrad and the cold in the primeval forests of the three northeastern provinces.
The dry and cold air seemed thin. It was also dry, as if every breath was mixed with floating sand and dust.
There is also despair here, the endless desolate mountains outside the cave, the sound of chanting in the cave as if gods and demons are whispering in the ears, and the sounds of the goats in the sheepfold from time to time and the permeated smell, mixed with the pot.
The slight smell of meat makes people subconsciously have the urge to escape from here and hide in the middle of a warm bonfire.
This chapter is not over yet, please click on the next page to continue reading! I don’t know how long it took, the mountain spring water in the cup and the mountain spring water in the kettle were boiled one after another, and Weiran also tightened the lid of the cup and put it back in
The canvas bottle cover was then stuffed into his arms as a water bag.
Pour the boiling water in the cup into the cup of goat milk that Multaza just sent. Wei Ran sits cross-legged by the warm bonfire and takes sips while quietly listening to the sounds in the dark corner in the distance.
The call to prayer.
Finally, just when he drank up all the diluted goat milk, and just when the small pot where the mutton was cooked began to boil, and an increasingly rich aroma of meat wafted out, the family's night prayer finally came to an end.
.
After a moment of waiting, Multaza gave him a small enamel plate, and Mahbub used a silver fork and a knife to give him a few pieces of mutton and a bowl of broth.
Habibullah, on the other hand, opened up a pile of hot sand beside the bonfire, picked out a few freshly baked hot naans, patted them with a scarf, and gave Wei Ran half a piece.
At the same time, Multaza also greeted the little girl of the same age named Soraya, and brought mutton, broth and freshly baked naan to Ayana on the other side of the curtain.
Wei Ran declined the knife and fork offered by Mahbub. Wei Ran took out the knife and once again used the suitcase as a dining table to eat slowly. At the same time, he listened to the family chatting in their native language through the curtain.
of chatting.
Having truly filled his stomach, Wei Ran wiped the remaining grease from the food knife on his pants. Then he spread the blanket beside the bonfire, lying on his back with the roll of clothes he took out of the suitcase, and watched.
The starry sky outside the sky window of the cave.
Soon after, Habibullah also got up after eating, greeted Multaza who had eaten earlier than him, and blocked the entrance of the cave with a thick bundle of felt.
Without such a large air inlet, the cave suddenly became much warmer. Habibullah then took out a harmonica from his pocket and sat by the campfire, playing a nice but unnamed tune.
To the accompaniment of this song, Multaza, who had been tired all day, was the first to huddle up by the campfire, hugging a little lamb and fell asleep. Soon after, Wei Ran's upper and lower eyelids also began to fight, and finally closed completely
His eyes were wet, and soon he began to snore lightly.
"Dad, do you really plan to take him to Teacher Abdul's place?" Habibullah put away his harmonica and asked softly, "He is the front line. This is too dangerous."
"Leave early tomorrow morning"
Mahboub said, "Even if the reporter does not plan to go, at least the anti-aircraft machine guns and ammunition should be sent there. This is what Abdul urgently needs."
"You stay," Habibullah said. "My sister is about to give birth. If you stay, you can at least take care of her."
"I can take care of myself"
Ayana on the other side of the curtain said, "This is not my first time giving birth. I have experience and with Soraya's help, I can do it myself."
"We will send the anti-aircraft guns and reporters to Abdul and we will come back immediately."
Mahbub said, "It's not that far there. We can get there before dark and get back before dawn the day after tomorrow."
"In this case, let Multaza follow."
Ayana on the other side of the curtain said, "There are no living guerrillas here except Soraya and I. Send all those weapons and ammunition to Teacher Abdul. They will definitely use them."
"You are here by yourself..."
"Multaza can't help me with anything, and I still have Soraya." Ayana said, "You will be back soon, right?"
"Leave those two ewes that are producing milk for you," Mahbub decided. "You need them, and so does the child in your belly."
"Okay" Ayana responded absently.
For a moment, the cave that was barely illuminated by the fire became quiet. Wei Ran, who had been eavesdropping just now, sighed silently, hugged the still hot kettle in his arms, and closed his eyes completely.
He didn't sleep comfortably that night, especially when it was about to dawn in the second half of the night. After the embers of the campfire had lost their temperature, the temperature in the cave became lower and lower, making him feel like he was lying in a refrigerator.
Just as he was wondering whether to add some coal, Mahbub had already gotten up, and then woke up Habibullah and Multaza.
Seeing this, Wei Ran simply sat up.
"You can sleep a little longer," Habibullah said in English. "Breakfast may have to wait a while."
"Is there anything I can help with?" Wei Ran asked with a smile.
"How about milking the goat?" Habibullah asked jokingly.
“Forget it about this job.”
Wei Ran quickly waved his hand. He had never done this job before. It was a big deal that everyone couldn't drink hot goat milk. He didn't want to hurt the only two female goats. They were obviously for Mahbubu's daughter who was about to give birth.
Prepared "nutritional products".
Habibullah was also just joking, "In that case, help us light the bonfire."
"I'm good at this" Wei Ran happily took over the job.
By the time he lit the dry dung and pressed some coals, Multaza and the little girl named Soraya had already squeezed two cans of goat milk, while Habibullah was putting all the tools and
After all the raw materials were prepared, Wei Ran safely handed over the task of brewing milk tea to Wei Ran, and then their family began the morning ceremony.
In Wei Ran's eyes, at this time, this completely secular Afhan, with such devout believers like theirs, was almost as rare as those without faith in the same land and country in later generations.
.
By the time the family finished their morning rituals, the sky outside the cave had just begun to light up, and the morning sun had only illuminated the horizon red.
After pouring a cup of milk tea made by himself for everyone, Wei Ran asked while Mahbubu was sharing the meat and naan that had just been reheated last night and had not been eaten last night, "Mahebubu, before we set off,
, can I take a photo of your family?"
This chapter is not finished yet, please click on the next page to continue reading the exciting content! "Of course, it is our honor." Mahbub said, "When it is washed out, it would be better if you could send me a copy. Already."
“Of course no problem”
Wei Ran replied happily, "If you are willing to give me some time, I can even develop a negative before departure."
"How much time do you need?" Mahbub asked.
"One hour at most"
“These times still exist”
Mahbub breathed a sigh of relief and said gratefully while putting a piece of meat on the tray in front of him, "Victor, I'll trouble you."
"It's nothing." Wei Ran waved his hand quickly.
In the following time, the Mahbub family talked in their native language about the next group photo, as well as sad topics such as how long it had been since they took a group photo, who was there when they last took a group photo, and who is no longer there now. .
Wei Ran was not prepared to let them know that he could understand everything they said. To a certain extent, he couldn't understand, so they spoke their true thoughts.
It was only then that he belatedly discovered a problem that he had subconsciously ignored or taken for granted.
These Afhan people are also human beings. They also have families and friends. They will also be sad, lament and shed tears because of the misfortunes of family members, friends and even compatriots.
Or rather, when the word "Afhan" or "Afhan" is mentioned, it should not be subconsciously associated with the Kongbu elements.
Put yourself in someone else's shoes, if your country is invaded and invaded repeatedly, what if you have the opportunity to do something, or in other words, what can you only do.
Then I am afraid that the first thing I will throw away is the bottom line of being a human being and the upper limit of killing methods. This is not a question of whether it is noble or not, nor is it a question of "enlightenment", it is simply "What else can I do?"
After absent-mindedly drinking his own milk tea, half a piece of naan bread and two pieces of mutton, Wei Ran quietly put away the reheated British kettle, and then took out the kettle from the suitcase. Minolta camera.
"Where are we going to take pictures?" Wei Ran hung the camera around his neck again and asked.
"Just outside the cave" Mahbub decided.
Wei Ran naturally had no objection to this. He was the first to walk out of the cave with his camera in hand. After walking a few steps forward, he turned around and focused his camera on a few people standing slightly scattered.
"You are too far away," Wei Ran raised his head and gestured with his hands and said, "Come closer, it won't look like a family in the photo."
"No, this is our family."
Mahbub shook his hand that was clasped at his side and said, "Please let me introduce you. This is the position of my wife."
As he spoke, he pointed to the back right side of his body with his other hand and said, "That is where my eldest son and his wife are. You see, Multaza is standing in front of their husband and wife.
Behind me are my second son and his wife. There used to be a beautiful girl in front of them, but their family is also dead.
The empty seat next to Habibullah was reserved for his girlfriend. He had already taken her to meet our family, but she did not survive.
On the far left are my only daughter Ayana and her husband Muhan Mode. Muham Mode has the lowest academic performance among all my students.
But he tracked down my only daughter, and he fought very bravely. He had been leading the guerrillas to fight against the Soviets all these years, until last night.
In front of them, there was supposed to be a handsome little guy. Unfortunately, he also died. He stepped on a Soviet mine while helping to fetch water. Soraya and him were classmates, so she was asked to stand.
In his place."
"I had a hound in front of me, a very beautiful hound."
Habibullah pointed directly in front of him and said, "His name was Ali, and he didn't survive. He died from the Soviet chemical weapons."
“This is how we stood when we took our last group photo a few years ago.”
Mahbub said, "So Victor, let's stand like this and take another group photo."
"You are a very happy family"
Wei Ran said sincerely, "At least I was happy once."
"Now we are happy too"
Mahbubu's old face was filled with an unstoppable smile, "I feel like they are around me now."
"Gentlemen, ladies, and of course, that beautiful hound, please look at me!"
Wei Ran repeated in Russian and English. When everyone couldn't help laughing and showed the happiest smile, when the first ray of morning sun shone on the family's face, he pressed the button as if embedded with a steel needle.
of shutter.
After taking another photo, Wei Ran said, "I can still take a few more photos with this roll of film. Why don't you let me take a solo photo for each of you? It won't waste a lot of time."
"Then let's take a few more pictures," Mahbub smiled easily.
When Wei Ran repeated this sentence in English, the happiest people were none other than Multaza and the girl named Soraya.
After all, they are still children, and there are still many things that can make them happy.
As Wei Ran clicked the shutter again and again, the family took double single photos, each holding a weapon.
Mahbub's solo photo was taken with a Bobosha submachine gun.
Habibullah is carrying a Stinger anti-aircraft missile.
What Multaza was holding was the Lee-Enfield rifle he had been carrying yesterday.
Although Soyara has no weapons, he has a Soviet telescope hanging around his neck.
But Ayana, who had a big belly, insisted on carrying the SVD sniper rifle.
It was while taking pictures that Wei Ran also learned from Habibullah that the Lee-Enfield rifle Multaza was holding was left by his father.
His sister Ayana turned out to be an excellent sniper, and Soraya was her observer. The two of them have killed more than 20 Soviet soldiers over the years.
Finally, he took an additional group photo of the sniper partner and used up the last film. Wei Ran carefully completed the rewinding and took out the film. Then he handed the camera directly to Habibullah, and he ran back with the film.
In the cave, I took out the butt bag again using the suitcase as a cover, and then started preparations for washing.
Except for a little trouble adjusting the water temperature, there were no accidents during the flushing process.
When he took out the developed film and drained the water, the family also gathered around, taking advantage of the morning sun coming in from outside, looking at each photo taken on this roll of film one by one.
, discussing whose photos were taken well and whose expressions or postures were not well-posed.
After everyone had finished reading all the negatives, Wei Ran took out a brown paper envelope and a pair of small scissors from his bag, cut out one of the double negatives, dried them and put them into the envelope.
"Who will keep these?" Wei Ran asked in Russian.
"Let Ayana take it," Mahbub said, taking the paper bag with both hands, and then handed it to his daughter.
"Leave this camera to her too"
Wei Ran said as he took out the matching camera bag, film, stand, flash, shutter cable and other things from the suitcase.
"What are you..."
"I also have a backup camera"
Wei Ran said as he buttoned up the suitcase, "This is just my job, but I guess you need a camera more. This will give you and other families at least one more opportunity to take a group photo."
"Thanks"
Ayana said thank you in English.
"I hope you will take more photos of your children," Wei Ran said slowly in English. "Children's childhood should be recorded by enough photos, even if it is childhood during war."
Seeing his sister looking at him for help, Habibullah quickly translated Wei Ran's blessing into his native language.
Before Ayana could hold the camera and thank her again, Wei Ran also looked at Mahbub, "It's time for us to set off."
“Thank you for the camera”
Mahbub came to his senses and said, "Let's set off now."