In my memory, the courtyard was very large, and I would be engulfed in the dense foliage.
Through the gaps in the leaves above my head, I could see the blue sky and the clouds quietly passing by in the sky. The cicadas chirped with waves of heat, and the rustling sound of flying insects' wings trembling in the air occasionally, all vividly stayed in my memory.
In my childhood memories, I would go to my grandmother's house every week.
Every week, I would spend time in the large courtyard in my memory, where the neighbor's children liked to play with me, perhaps more because I had the key that could open the mysterious gate.
At that time, in my perception, there was no other vast world to explore, and the courtyard brought me magic, unknown, and vastness, as if there was no end.
When I heard the sound of the copper lock mechanism "click" among the crowd of children, and pushed open the gate amidst everyone's cheers, I knew that my moment had arrived.
The playmates of that time have faded with time, their faces blurred, and I can't even remember their names. The only thing I remember is when playing hide and seek, I hid under the dense vegetable leaves, holding my breath, listening to every subtle sound wave nature emitted.
It seemed like I had never seen the desolation of the courtyard, it was always full of vitality, with endless "blackberries" to pick, butterflies, dragonflies, and ladybugs to catch. I ran freely with the small net my dad made for me, nothing could stop me.
I think, I must have fallen on the uneven ridges; I must have been scratched by the thorns of various plants; I must have been saddened by the loss of life of a butterfly in a bottle. I did not miss out on the softness and fragility that every little girl should have, but all of that was outweighed by the gift of beautiful memories.
Years later, when I think back to the courtyard, I suddenly understand why I have always loved "The Secret Garden" and "Alice in Wonderland."
My grandparents left me with the most beautiful memories, allowing me to hold onto this magical key throughout these decades of my life, allowing me to always have that large courtyard, and giving me the ability to unlock the beautiful world.