I’m Laobai’s older brother. Laobai treats me like his own brother, so I’m begging you — please take good care of him. We even took a family photo together, and I once vowed to look after him into his old age and see him off at the end.
The first time I picked Laobai up and brought him home, he had a companion, Laohei. At the time Laohei was rummaging through a trash can, looking pitiful. When my mom looked at Laohei, Laobai walked over obediently from a distance and watched my mom and Laohei, as if worried that Laohei would be taken away all alone. I went to help my mom bring the two of them home. I carried Laobai. He was already pretty heavy by then, and I huffed and puffed the whole way. Laobai looked at me, uneasy, but he didn’t struggle. It seemed like he was taking a gamble, betting on what would happen if he put his fate in my hands. I thought to myself, it’s okay, don’t be scared. Little guy, your trust in me will be worth it. There’s bound to be some hassle along the way, but once we’re home we’ll take good care of you both. You’ll never have to worry about food, drink, or fun again — you’ll live stable, happy lives.
When we were crossing a street, a small truck rumbled past, and Laobai panicked and started to struggle. I held him tight and kept gently telling him, don’t be scared, don’t be scared, we’re almost there. As I talked, she stopped struggling so much. I saw the look in his eyes, and I’ll never forget it for the rest of my life.
This was a life entrusted to me. This was a promise to make him happy.
Now, by a twist of fate, Laobai is no longer someone I can protect. New guardian, I only hope to share my feelings with you, so that you can carry this love and accompany Laobai through each new, beautiful day. Blessings to you both!