It is neither as precious as antelope wood carving, nor as pearl and jade. It is only an ordinary fountain pen that has faded and even leaked ink, but it is the hope my most important person in my life had for me.
This is the most important farewell gift I have ever received in my life. “It may be the last time to give you a present face to face.” I turned my head, it was Kiki, my aunt. Carefully took out a delicate box from her arms. I rushed to her excitedly and took the gift. I opened it and saw: a “broken” fountain pen. My expectations and fantasies are all breaks, and the smile on my face is obviously a little stiff. Kiki saw the change of expression on my face, but still reluctantly smiled and said, “Nana, this pen is the most important thing in my life. When I got my first job, I bought a pen and told myself that one day I would stand out and become a contributor to the world. You are my favorite child. I hope you will think of me when you see this fountain pen.” I understood my aunt’s intention, and I took the pen gingerly.
After dinner, my aunt went to a new place and started her new life. She didn’t tell anyone where it was. Just vaguely heard my mother and aunt through phone calls. Every time my aunt would ask my mom am I doing good. But now my family haven’t received any phone call from my aunt for seven years, and we have completely lost contact, but I will still take this fountain pen with me wherever I go. Then my whole family immigrated to the U.S, I still will have the fountain pen with me from China to the United States. My aunt taught me the truth of being a good person from an early age. I can’t repay her kindness. I have to study hard and live up to her expectations of me.
Fountain pen represents encouragement, because since ancient times, the pen has represented a symbol of culture. For example, many dynasties value literature rather than martial arts and attach more importance to literary officials. Therefore, giving people the fountain pen is a symbol of ability, representing continuous progress and more recognition of one’s ability. It is such a “ragged” pen, attached to my aunt’s soul, and will always grow with me.
This a very touching story, I can relate to this because of the people in my life that motivate me to be the best in anything I do.
Nana, you fit so much life in the story of this single object! You describe the moment of the gift clearly and thoughtfully, and you remind us how valuable even a “ragged” object can be.