Fiction: Group 3
Jamie’s diary
20 December 1941
Just a few days back they began evacuation to the island. The Japanese bombings came closer as days went
by. Father came home less frequently. However, I still don't know what exactly is happening out there.
To everyone I asked, they were simply too scared or just uttered, “Japan.”
Long ago back in London, Father told me that “curiosity kills the cat,” warning me that sometimes,
a little knowledge is a dangerous thing. But I think it hardly matters now. I've lived in London with my
friend during the Battle of Britain last year, which we won.
I need to know what's going on in this war. Why does Japan want Hong Kong anyway? Why?
Why must we all suffer the fate of war, the fragments of brutality, and live in these nightmares of
cruelty? I was born in London. These people, the Chinese locals, are born here in Hong Kong. But they are
still human. Even though they call us Gweilo, even though they call us ghost people, they share the same
feelings too, right? Appearance shouldn't matter.
I asked those questions to Father, who was leaving for the darkness once again.
Father explained that Japan wants land. And for that, Japan needs resources. They have no natural
sources, so they steal from others.
I was about to say something but Father read my mind and said that Hong Kong's neighbours have
a lot of resources. Japan is just trespassing. Father started to walk away towards the dawn sky, which was
now tinted blood red.
I asked where he was going, and he said he was going outside to the hospital.
But it's the crack of dawn!
He said it doesn't matter, similar to me. He's living up to his faith.
I didn't say anything more.
The truth dawned on me.
Soldiers fight battles for their fatherland.
Doctors heal people for faith.
Empires wage wars for power.
For better or worse, this is the world we live in, and we must make do with what we have.
