The courtyard in my memory is very big, I would be engulfed in the dense branches and leaves.
Through the gaps between the leaves that are higher than my head, I can see the blue sky and the clouds silently passing by in the sky. The cicadas chirp with waves of heat, and occasionally there is the rustling sound of flying insects' wings trembling the air, all vividly remaining 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 big courtyard in my memory, playing with the neighborhood children. The main reason might be that I had the key that could open the mysterious gate.
In my understanding at that time, there was no other vast world to explore, and that courtyard brought me magic, the unknown, and vastness, as if it had no end.
When I heard the sound of the copper lock mechanism "click" while being surrounded by the other children, and pushed open the courtyard gate amidst everyone's cheers, I knew that my moment had begun.
The playmates from that time have faded away with time, their faces becoming blurry, and I can't even remember their names. The only thing I remember is when playing hide and seek, I would hide under the dense vegetable leaves, holding my breath, and listening to every subtle sound wave emitted by nature.
It's as if I have never seen the desolation of the courtyard, it was always full of vitality, with endless "blackberries" to pick, and countless butterflies, dragonflies, and ladybugs to catch. I would run freely with the small net my dad made for me, without any obstacles.
I think, I must have fallen on the uneven ridges and furrows; I must have been scratched by the thorns of various plants; I must have been saddened by the death of a butterfly in a bottle. I didn't miss out on the tenderness and fragility that every little girl should have, but all of that cannot compare to the gift of beautiful memories.
Many years later, when I think back to that big 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 have this magical key throughout my life, allowing me to always have that big courtyard, and giving me the ability to open up a beautiful world.