The End of the Holiday

Old Li has been a little bothered lately.

It's not because of anything else, just because of this "Spring and Autumn Holiday."

In recent days, newspapers and TV have been clamoring for the implementation of a "Spring and Autumn Holiday" system nationwide, saying that it is to reduce the burden on children, let them get closer to nature, and cultivate their sentiments. At first, Old Li was quite happy, thinking that his grandson, Little Stone, could finally relax and not have to stay cooped up in the house all day doing endless homework.

But before the joy lasted two days, Old Li tasted something was wrong.

First, Little Stone's school sent a notice saying that during the Spring and Autumn Holiday, the school would organize "study tours" and encourage students to participate. Old Li inquired, and wow, this "study tour" is not cheap. To go to some "historical city", food, accommodation, and transportation add up, and it won't cost less than a few thousand yuan.

Old Li felt bad about the money, but he couldn't resist Little Stone's mother nagging beside him: "Other children are going, but our Little Stone is not. How embarrassing? Besides, this study tour is also learning, and we can't let the child lose at the starting line!"

When Old Li heard the three words "starting line," his head buzzed. What he hates most in his life is this "starting line," but what can he do? Nowadays, which child is not desperately trying to get ahead? Who dares to fall behind?

Gritting his teeth, Old Li still signed up Little Stone.

But before the "study tour" was over, new "troubles" came.

Little Stone's mother heard from somewhere that during the Spring and Autumn Holiday, various "interest classes" and "tutoring classes" were very popular. "Olympiad Math Class", "English Class", "Programming Class"... all kinds, everything.

"His dad, look, other children have signed up for several classes, and our Little Stone can't be idle! This holiday is a good opportunity to 'overtake on the curve'!" Little Stone's mother began to whisper in Old Li's ear again.

Old Li felt so aggrieved! This is not "reducing the burden"? This is clearly "increasing the pressure"! The holiday that the children have been looking forward to is filled with these "classes."

He remembered his childhood, when there was no "Spring and Autumn Holiday." But the children still had fun, climbing trees, catching birds, fishing in the river... Which one is not better than these "classes" now?

But now? The children have become "caged birds," locked in various "cages," learning this and that, without even time to breathe.

The more Old Li thought about it, the more he felt something was wrong. The original intention of this "Spring and Autumn Holiday" was good, but how did it change?

He remembered Mr. Lu Xun's "Iron House": This era is like a cage trapped by heavy shackles. People struggle in it, but they can never find a way out.

Old Li sighed deeply and looked out the window.

Under the gray sky, several sparrows jumped around on the telephone pole. They are free, but how long can their freedom last?