Today, because of the snow, there weren't many people or vehicles on the road. She could well have spent the day at home. But there she stood and there she would remain, three months, five months, or three years, five years, if need be. Perhaps, from time to time, she raised her head to gaze up at her child or at her husband who was scaling the cliffs between the mountains and the sky. When he paused to wipe the sweat from his brow, could he see the determined figure of his wife or the tiny image of his little boy? Even though it was a snowy, windy night, even though the worker, his wife and children couldn't see one another clearly, I was sure they could feel a mutual loving encouragement and sense that each was looking forward to the moment of family reunion.
I glanced at Cheng Yu. The child had placed his hands in his sleeves and pulled his neck into his collar. He kept dozing off.
"You're liable to catch a chill. Better get into bed and go to sleep".
He looked at me dreamily for a moment, probably thinking that his parents had returned.
When he realized who I was, he shook his head violently. "No. I won't!"
"Why not?"
He rubbed his eyes with his fists. "Papa and mama say a man should never leave his post".
I hugged him tightly and pressed my cheek against his. Then I rose, buttoned my coat, pulled my hat down firmly, left the cave and walked down the path. Following the road that had been blasted through the rock, I pushed on, the words of the child echoing in my head, "A man should never leave his post". A job was waiting for me. I wanted to reach my destination without any further delay.
Question 1: Why does the woman stand by the road, even though there are few people or vehicles due to the snow?
Answer: The woman stands by the road as her husband works on the cliffs, demonstrating her determination and commitment to her family's well-being and the hope of a family reunion.
Question 2: How does the narrator describe the interaction between the husband and wife during the snowy night?
Answer: The narrator imagines that although the snowy and windy conditions obscure clear visibility, the husband, wife, and children can feel mutual love and encouragement, anticipating their reunion.
Question 3: What does the narrator notice about Cheng Yu's behavior as the night progresses?
Answer: Cheng Yu begins to doze off, likely feeling the effects of the cold weather.
Question 4: Why does the narrator suggest that Cheng Yu should get into bed and go to sleep?
Answer: The narrator is concerned that Cheng Yu might catch a chill due to the cold weather.
Question 5: What reason does Cheng Yu give for refusing to go to bed?
Answer: Cheng Yu refuses to go to bed because his parents have taught him that a man should never leave his post.
Question 6: How does the narrator respond to Cheng Yu's refusal to go to bed?
Answer: The narrator hugs Cheng Yu tightly and then leaves the cave, inspired by Cheng Yu's sense of duty, echoing the child's words, "A man should never leave his post," as motivation to fulfill his own responsibilities.