Fiction: Group 3
Present day:
“Dad. It’s just no use. They just won’t come.” Megan complained, sipping at her noodle soup. John looked
up at his daughter.
“Eat your wontons, Megan. Perhaps tomorrow will be better.” Megan thought her father was too
optimistic. “Why so sad, Megan? I thought this is what you wanted- to run the store.”
Megan sighed and muttered, “I know, of course I do. It’s just frustrating seeing this place plummeting.”
John stood up to pour out the tea as his daughter continued. “It’s not even out fault, father. They just aren’t
the same, the people. I remember when I was four, and Nai Nai took me to the promenade for afternoon
tea. The people were polite, just like the tradition has always been. We had cream puffs, and almond
cookies, and the waiters always remembered their “please” and “thank-yous”. The people were laid-back,
frolicking with their families. All was well. But now, nothing seems right. I see a link, dad. The more
buildings getting built, the worst the people get. It’s not fair, and I hate it!” A moment of silence was held
for Megan to calm down. John studied the sadness in her expression. Her eyes were heavy, brimming with
warm salty tears. He came round to her and placed his feeble hand onto her shoulder. He comforted Megan
with an understanding heart.
Her father’s eyes twinkled, and a flash of hope spread across his face. “You know, Megan, you should get
used to all this change. It could be for the best.” Megan first rejected this idea. Yet, inside she knew it was
the honest truth. Of course she never wanted it to be, not in a million years. How could she ever be
successful in this new world? Her heavy heart began to understand that nothing in Macau would ever be
the same again. The Pearl River delta was changing, and there was nothing she could do to stop it.
