The Promise Between Father And Son

8.30pm. By now, the first course in the ten course meal had arrived on the tables of the military officials. Ming Yue Guang had left the venue with the medal of honour given to his father. He wasn't hungry at the moment, moreover, there were a lot of things on his mind. It would be hard for any person to process that their whole life was a lie.

Hands rested in the pocket of his hoodie jacket, the box that kept the medal rested under the light grip of Yue Guang's right hand. The young man's eyes were unfocused as he walked along the lit pavements of Glory Road. This was the same exact road where Sato walked down when he had gotten the notification that he was unable to continue university.

The reason for people coming to Glory Road could be split into two categories.

One, people come to Glory Road when they would like to explore or enjoy the ambiance of the Attraction. After all, the place was built to celebrate the achievements of the citizens in Country Z, the entire area was designed to be perfect for tourists or dates.

Two, those that ever have something on their minds and needed a place to clear their thoughts, Glory Road would be the perfect place to do that. The road was one straight line along the river view in Country Z. The cool breeze at night, in addition to the night ambiance, allows anyone to clear their thoughts.

Other than coming to Glory Road to clear his head, there was one more reason that led Ming Yue Guang here today. Right before the young man had left the stage, Lieutenant Colonel Christopher Perkins had told Yue Guang to visit Glory Road when he was free. "Take a look at the monument in Glory Road."

What monument was he talking about? There are so many monuments on Glory Road… Ming Yue Guang was confused. He looked around the plaques and descriptions that showed who was on the monument. Only after walking about halfway through the scenic road, did he stop moving. His head raced as it brought back memories of the past when the boy was still young.

it was a rare break given to Ming Jiang Fei from work. Jiang Fei decided that he wanted to bring his nine year old with him on a walk along Glory Road. Melisa did not tag along that day and so, it was one of those father and son bonding moments for the both of them.

Holding the boy's hand, Jiang Fei took Ming Guang on a walk along the new built Glory Road. The attraction was actually constructed post war between Country Z and Country N. At the beginning, the place was built to be a site to remember the fallen soldiers that had fought in the five year war with Country N. However, after a long debate, rather than making Glory Road a remembrance ground for the soldiers, the families of the soldiers preferred to make Glory Road into a place of celebration.

"We celebrate and remember our achievements, so as to inspire future generations to come!" That was how Glory Road's front entrance motto came about. Together as one collective unit, our achievements shall make Country Z the brightest star among hundreds of countries of the world.

After finishing construction, the government only had time to install the first monument which was located in the middle of Glory Road. The monument was actually 10 giant plaques made out of the clearest white marble. It stood tall and proud, which would weather rain and storms for many years to come. On the plaque were the names of the fallen soldiers during the five year war. There were hundreds of thousands of deaths accumulated over time and so, the writings were very small.

To the right of these plaques that remembered the fallen, there were another 10 giant plaques that had names of the soldiers that had survived the war and lived to tell the tale. The plaques that were made for the survivors were requested by the fallen victims families. They thought it was unfair that only those that had passed on would be remembered.

Jiang Fei brought Yue Guang look through the names on the plaques. To the clueless nine year old, this place did not hold much meaning. However, to Ming Jiang Fei who had been through the war personally and had comrades that passed on for the sake of the country, he was here to pay respects to them. As Jiang Fei kneeled down and kowtowed to the fallen soldiers, his cute nine year old son followed along and kowtowed to the soldiers.

The father and son eventually went to the plaques for the survivors. By right, Ming Jiang Fei's name should've been carved on the front most plaque. That plaque was reserved for the soldiers that had great significance in the army. They were usually the strategist, generals or people that were the first one in and last one out of war. As a Secret Military Agent, Jiang Fei requested for him to be anonymous on the plaque.

"Son, one day, we shall come back here together and I shall reveal a secret to you." Ming Jiang Fei turned to look at his son that was only up to his ribcage.

"What secret? I want to know it now!" Yue Guang complained.

"Hahahaha! One day, when you are finally at my height I will reveal it to you! So quickly grow up will you?"

"Really? Do you promise?" Ming Yue Guang reached out his pinkie to his father.

"Yes I promise." The father pinkie promised with his son.

"Okay! I want to go back home now to drink milk!"

"Hahahaha! Okay! Let us head back home!" Hand in hand, the father and son left back home.

14 years later, Ming Yue Guang arrived at the white plaque where he and his father stood back then. He took out his phone and shone the flashlight on the names on the plaque. Over the years, the names engraved into the marble had deteriorate slightly, but there was one name that was more defined than others.

Ming Jiang Fei.

The humble boy dropped to his knees and cried one more time. After 14 years, the promise made between father and son was finally fulfilled.