Fiction: Group 3
The Decision
Singapore International School, Hong Kong (Sec), Cheung, Hoi Yu - 13,
Fiction: Group 3
hat’s all the commotion?” the boy asked.
“Can’t you read?” a heavily built man snapped back while tilting his head in the direction
of the poster on the factory gate.
“No.”
“Dongguan City No. 1 Dye Factory is offering a job as a wastewater technician,” the man said gruffly. “But
don't bother, you can't even read.”
This did not bother the boy. His eyes gleamed. “This is what I need. I have to get this job for the sake of
my home,” he thought, and joined the queue.
After what seemed like ages, it was finally his turn. Nervously, he stepped into the office and saw a plump
man sat behind a messy desk, smoking a cigarette while reading a newspaper. The man did not look up. The
heavy smoke made the boy cough as he sat down slowly.
“I’m Manager Li, the factory manager. Show me your identity card,” the plump man said without taking his
eyes off the newspaper.
The boy turned a crimson shade. His mouth felt dry. “I don’t have one,” he managed to mumble.
Manager Li finally looked up. He squinted his eyes as he studied the boy. “So you are an illegal worker,” he
finally said slowly. “What’s your name?”
“Xin.”
“Xin as in heart? You have a funny name, boy. You are an illegal worker and I can report you to the
police,” he threatened. “But if you do as I say, I will give you the job and you don't have to go to prison.”
Manager Li smiled, but there was something about those upturned lips that made Xin shudder.
Xin found himself nodding. Manager Li then told him to return at 11 p.m. for the night shift, and that he
would show him what to do then.
When Xin came out of the factory, the sun was already setting. He quickly ran towards the riverbank
behind the factory, and looking around to make sure nobody was near, he took off his clothes behind some
bushes. He folded them neatly and hid them underneath a rock. Then he dipped quietly into the water. A
shimmer appeared around his waist. The scales glimmered, reflecting the last rays of dusk from the distant
horizon. He flipped his legs as they faded and a beautiful long turquoise tail appeared. Xin propelled himself
underwater. Almost immediately he came up gasping for air. He coughed. “Bad water,” he thought. Then
holding his breath, he swam quickly down river towards the sea.
He finally came to a stop at an emerald gate. It used to sparkle dazzlingly in the old days when sunlight
could still reach down that far. The merlion guard saluted, and opened the gate for him. Once inside, all the
merfolks came out of their caves. They surrounded him, eager for news.
“What did you find out Prince Xin?” a mermother whimpered. “My baby won’t be able to survive any
more than two days if nothing is done. You are our only hope to stop this pollution.” Others murmured in
agreement.
“W
