The Disappeared Walk

Old Wang felt light and airy, like a falling autumn leaf, gently swirling. He "saw" himself lying on the cold floor, his body stiff. The wall clock in the living room had stopped at 2:15, the time of his last walk two days ago, in the afternoon.

"Strange, how am I here?" Old Wang wondered. He tried hard to remember, but could only recall walking slowly in the neighborhood as usual, breathing in the air filled with the scent of sweet osmanthus, watching children play in the square.

"Mr. Wang, you look well today!" Xiao Li, the community grid worker, greeted him with a smile. Old Wang smiled back, "Yes, the weather is nice, good to be out for a walk."

Xiao Li was a warm-hearted young man who always chatted with Old Wang whenever he saw him, often helping him with deliveries and groceries. Old Wang felt warmth in his heart, thinking of the young man as his own grandson.

"It's a pity that Xiao Gang is abroad and can't come back even once a year." Old Wang sighed. His son, Xiao Gang, had been studying and working abroad for several years and hadn't been home. His wife had passed away the year before last, leaving him alone in the house.

Old Wang continued walking, passing the chess and card room at the entrance of the neighborhood. Several old friends were playing chess and greeted him enthusiastically, "Old Wang, want to join us for a game?"

Old Wang waved his hand, "No, I'll keep walking." He enjoyed walking, enjoyed seeing every plant, every brick and tile in the neighborhood. These were familiar to him, bringing him comfort.

When he reached the neighborhood garden, Old Wang saw a familiar figure. It was his wife, sitting on a bench, smiling at him.

"Dear, why are you here?" Old Wang walked over in surprise.

His wife took his hand and said softly, "I've come to take you."

Old Wang felt a wave of dizziness, and then he knew nothing.

Now, he "saw" Xiao Li anxiously knocking on his door, repeatedly calling, "Mr. Wang! Mr. Wang! Are you home?"

No one answered. Xiao Li took out his phone and dialed 110 and 120.

Soon, the police and paramedics arrived. The door was opened, and they found Old Wang lying on the floor.

"There are no vital signs," the doctor shook his head.

Xiao Li's tears flowed instantly. He remembered Old Wang's kind smile, his warm greetings every time they met. He couldn't believe that the old man, who insisted on walking every day, had left so quietly.

Old Wang "watched" all this, his heart filled with mixed emotions. He thought of his life, his struggles in his youth, his enduring love with his wife, his son's growth...

"So, this is death," Old Wang murmured. He felt a sense of relief, but also a tinge of regret.

He "saw" Xiao Li sorting through his belongings and finding a photo album. Inside were photos of him and his wife, photos of his son, and a faded family portrait.

Xiao Li carefully put the album away, deciding to send these photos to Old Wang's son.

"Mr. Wang, may you rest in peace," Xiao Li said silently in his heart.

Old Wang's figure faded more and more, finally disappearing into the air. The wall clock in the living room remained stuck at 2:15.

Outside, the sun was shining brightly, and the sweet osmanthus filled the air. In the neighborhood, children were still playing, and the elderly were still playing chess. Everything was as usual, as if nothing had happened.

Only Xiao Li knew that the neighborhood had lost a lonely figure, a warm smile.

He decided that he would pay more attention to the elderly living alone in the community, to prevent them from leaving as lonely as Old Wang.

Because everyone deserves to be cared for, and every life deserves respect.

Even if they have already left this world.