Fiction: Group 3
After touring around the house, Caleb told Andrés to call his parents, concerning about Andrés joining an
association.
“No, no need for that,” Andrés declined his offer.
“Why not? You need to balance this with your school work. Also, they may worry if you don’t go home
on time,” Caleb shot back.
“My parents are dead…”
“Orphanage?” interrupted Caleb, evidently feeling sorry for Andrés.
“No, I live with my grandpa. Telling him about this will only worsen his heart condition,” replied Andrés
evenly.
“Never mind then. Being a part of the community is a great responsibility, you might want to hear the
details before I confirm your status.
“First, we are fighting for Hong Kong. We don’t want uncivilized people here in Hong Kong; we don’t
want Hong Kong to lose its good image.
“Second, we aren’t specifically targeting Shenzhen people. It’s just because we mention it a lot as it’s one
of the cities in the shining Pearl River Delta.”
“I understand. I would be more than glad to be a member,” said Andrés politely.
“Very well then. Considering you are a student, you don’t need to help out with the business, but please
remember to attend meetings on every Saturday evening. If you can’t come, call me, 96522233. I need to
make sure you’re safe.”
“Thank you, sir, for your kindness and passion,” thanked Andrés.
“Call me Caleb,” said Caleb, winking.
Andrés walked back home while processing the events just happened. He doubted the Fighter’s aim, but
was still glad he became one of them. Remembering he still had homework to do, he rushed home and
worked until his eyes drooped.
*
School was boring, as usual, and Andrés was absorbed in writing a brand new novel of his when the
teacher called him for a question.
“What’s is the aim of the newly formed and uprising group, the Fighters?” the teacher surveyed the room
and her eyes landed on a student who was obviously not paying attention at all. “Andrés!”
Andrés stood abruptly and answered smoothly, “Civilize Shenzhen and other Chinese citizens and
maintain peace between Shenzhen and Hong Kong.”
‘Correct! Now stop writing and pay attention,” said the teacher, surprised that he knew the correct answer
without paying attention.
*
Saturday arrived and Andrés set out for the ‘headquarters’.
“I heard that you answered the question about us correctly at school,” beamed Caleb, the moment Andrés
stepped into the house.
“Yeah, that’s right,” Andrés answerwwed while Caleb was barely able to contain his grin.
“By the way, how did you know that?” Andrés questioned.
“Oh, Sherlock Holmes has his ways,” smirked Caleb and Andrés rolls his eyes.
People began to come in and fill the empty chairs around the long table. Andrés counted the number of
people, but lost count at three hundred and ninety something. When all were seated, Andrés looked around
and wondered, “How can Caleb fit all these people in this tiny room?” Andrés suspected that all of them
were sharing the same air right now.
“We need a bigger place, we have much more people than I anticipated,” Caleb muttered worriedly to
one of his assistants.
The grand meeting started with first introducing different duties and persuading members to help out with
all kinds of work. It moved to another topic as soon as people had gotten their jobs. Members discussed
plans to help the Shenzhen citizens to be more polite and reduce the number of tourists coming to Hong
Kong. By the end of the meeting, the Fighters had yet to come up with another plan: help the Shenzhen
and be friendly, so that we can avoid problems. However, this idea was criticized by the people who totally
despise the Shenzhen. Finally, Caleb proposed a decision which everyone agreed: “It’s late, the meeting is
adjourned”. Andrés couldn’t help but admire Caleb’s leadership skills and quick thinking.
*
