Fiction: Group 4
“We want to start finalising the details of our new company as soon as-“
“Take me along with you.” Xuehua let out.
A momentary period of silence descended upon the dining table as everyone looked at her with an
expression of surprise, outrage, on her father’s part.
Oh gosh…why did I say that? Now what?
“Do you really mean that?” Father was cold, barely able to suppress his anger.
“Do you want that darling?” Mother pursued, more gently.
“I-I guess-I-I-Yes. I guess I do want that. I mean-I not only want, I more-than-want that.” Xuehua
stammered.
“You will not want that. Instead, you shall stay here in Changliu village, get married to a young man from
this very village and carry on the tradition. As a woman, this is a responsibility you have to bear. It is your
duty.” Father spat out, a menacing quality being found in his oddly contrasting, calm tone of voice.
“Calm down dearest, we should be more understanding. She’s already been in this village for all 16 years of
her life. She should have the chance to go out and explore the greater world out there if that’s what she
wants.” Mother urged.
“CALM? How do you expect me to calm? I WILL NOT TOLERATE THIS!” Baba’s face grew bright red
and he finally exploded into a fit of rage, throwing his chopsticks down on the table and stomping back to
his room.
“Sorry, I’ll go and talk to him.” Mama turned to Uncle.
“I think I’d better be there as well.” Uncle added.
They both followed Baba into the bedroom.
Xuehua sat there, alone.
* * *
“Do you really want that?” Ma’s voice resonated in her mind.
I do. I really do. I don’t believe my life is meant to be just this. I refuse to believe that this is as far as I will
ever get in life. Something greater awaits me, I’m sure of it.
She placed her head on her pillow, and curled up underneath her blankets, a constant stream of thoughts
circulating inside her head.
Gradually, drifting…drifting…off to sleep.
She awoke to someone gently shaking her.
“Xuehua, Xuehua.”
She rubbed her eyes and yawned. It was father.
“Yes?” She answered cautiously.
