Fiction: Group 4
If Not Now, When?
St. Margaret's Co-Educational English Secondary and Primary School
(Secondary Section), Von Pflug, Delia - 16, Fiction: Group 4
he streets are rather deserted, not surprisingly, since it is just past lunchtime. Here and there you can
see some young secretaries struggling to rush back to their offices in their high heels, clacking
against the slick pavement.
“It’s centrally located” I said turning back to my colleagues.
“Huizhou’s population and industrial growth are two or three years behind its property development, there’s
an oversupply of homes, it’s a dead-end”
“We should just sell the project” adds another person.
“I believe the bubble will deflate gently” I say as I stand up, gesturing that it was time to leave.
I wait for the room to be cleared then turn back to the window. The view from the conference room is
intriguing. I can see the activities on the street, fruit sellers hurriedly preparing for their busy flow of
customers in the afternoon, nannies walking relaxingly, most likely making their way to a preschool or
nursery. Most surrounding buildings have posters on them; my attention is caught by a rather large one
which is directly opposite me. There is a woman on the poster, clad in a smart office suit, smiling proudly as
if she won a promotion.
I turn back around, pack up my things and make my way back down to the 30
th
floor. Sitting down, I
switch open my laptop and start typing out the minutes from the corporate meeting, when my
concentration is interrupted by a loud ringing.
“Hi this is Argo Real Estate Limited, Polly Cho speaking”
“Hey Pol its mum”
“Mum? Hey you haven’t called in a while, everything okay?”
“Yeah I’m okay honey it’s not me...”
“What are you trying to say?”
“Well…you know your Aunt Mei.”
I have a sudden image of my aunt, a dashingly beautiful and successful businesswoman, I’ve always looked
up to her. When I was young she seemed like the ultimate superwoman. A successful woman, never
married, she never relied on anyone. In many ways, my role model.
“She had a stroke today.”
My heart skipped a beat, “But will she be alright?”
My mother assured me that she should be fine. I end the conversation by promising I’d try my best to make
some time to go and visit her and tell my mum to convey my wishes to her.
After I hang up, I’m left with silence and four blank walls staring at me. Poor Mei, no son or daughter to
care and look after her. Her success certainly came with compromises.
The next day, I’m on the inter-city through train heading to Huizhou. One night here, then I’m due in
Macau to meet an old friend. As I stroll into the restaurant car, I see a family of 4 sitting and eating their
lunch. The two sisters are playing with each other’s hair. They notice their mother looking out the window,
introspectively. One takes the mother’s hand while the other goes and pushes the father against the mother.
The parents laugh at the children’s thoughtfulness and soon all four of them burst out in smiles and laughter.
The mother catches my eye and gives a warm nod. Only now do I see her bright, still youthful visage
despite a light dusting of grey hair. She couldn’t have been any older than me.
Mr Lim, the supervisor of the project shakes my hand, “Thank you for coming all the way Mrs-“
“It’s Miss, Miss Cho” I immediately intercepted.
“Oh, I’m sorry, I mean Miss Cho, really, your presentation really helped us visualize the project and put it
into perspective. Thank you for coming all the way, its hard to find someone so committed nowadays,” I
hope he doesn’t notice the blush that has coloured my face.
“Well, it is my pleasure Mr Xi, till next time.”
T
