Life's journey is full of unpredictable turns. Sometimes, a brief encounter is enough to rewrite one's path. This was the case for Song Yang, who, at 19, traveled to London to study and met 66-year-old Swiss retiree Johann Hodel on the London Underground—a meeting that marked the beginning of a two-decade-long friendship that transcended age and nationality.
It was an ordinary afternoon in 1999. At the subway station, Song Yang, new to the city, noticed an elderly man struggling with his luggage and stepped forward to help. They struck up a conversation, and Song later recalled, "He was elderly and had difficulty moving, so I offered to help." That simple act of kindness became the starting point of their friendship. The man was Johann Hodel, a Swiss retiree living alone abroad with no spouse, children, or relatives.
To express his gratitude, Hodel invited Song Yang to his home for dinner. As if guided by fate, Hodel's residence happened to be near the university Song attended. Upon entering, Song saw the messy living conditions of the solitary elder and immediately started cleaning and preparing dinner. Deeply moved, Hodel suggested that Song live with him rent-free. From then on, the two supported each other in a foreign land, sharing a home for eight years. Song said, "We helped each other, and Hodel also helped me adapt to the local way of life," showing generosity and care in every aspect.
Even more touching was when Song Yang was involved in a traffic accident. Hodel not only cared for him until he recovered but also helped him navigate the complicated legal and compensation processes. Song quietly made a promise to himself: "You take care of me now, and I will take care of you in the future."
In 2007, Song Yang graduated and prepared to return to China. Before leaving, he entrusted friends to look after Hodel. Even after returning home, the two stayed in daily contact. Later, Hodel was diagnosed with femoral head necrosis and needed urgent surgery. Worried about the long waiting times for medical care in the UK and Hodel's lack of post-surgery support, Song made a decisive return to London. He brought Hodel to China, arranged his hospitalization, and covered all medical expenses. Hodel settled in China for six years, becoming part of Song's family and building deep bonds. In daily life, Hodel taught English to Song's children and volunteered in the community.
In 2013, Hodel passed away in China. Apart from Song's family and friends, representatives from the Swiss Embassy in China attended the funeral.
Hodel's departure left Song in deep sorrow. Reflecting on their cross-cultural friendship, Song said, "It seems we were fated to meet in difficult times. Hodel helped and cared for me; in return, it was my responsibility to care for him in his later years. He was like a meteor, shining briefly in my life. I will always cherish his memory."
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