Fiction: Group 2
Ah Yan and the Lion Dance's Head
Creative Primary School, Wong, Serena - 12, Fiction: Group 2
his railway has taken away Ah Yan’s parents and her happy childhood as well.
Ah Yan was born in a rural village of Foshan. Her parents left her for jobs in town when
she was three months old. But with mystery, they never returned home. So, her grandpa, Master
Lai who was an expert in both Kung Fu and making lion dance’s head, took care of this pitiful orphan.
Her grandpa was the most famous craftsman in Foshan for making lifelike lion dance’s heads. When
people celebrate Chinese New Year or wedding, even the opening ceremony of shops, you would surely
see his lion dance’s heads. They are made of Yukou paper and bamboo strips. As the procedures include
frame-making, paper-mounting, colouring, and installing accessories, Master Lai’s craftsmanship was
extraordinary. They bring people good luck and happiness. A giant lion dance’s head named Keung (literal
meaning: being strong), which was her grandpa’s masterpiece, was not for sale. It had brought Ah Yan a
new brave life……
Ah Yan had passed twelve lonely years with no friends at school since she was self-abased. In her
world, she had nobody but only a stern grandpa. Instead, she passed her childhood with Keung who
befriended her. She often poured out her heart to it……
One thundering night, timid Ah Yan thought about her missing parents and her hopeless life. “Ah
Yan.” A moment later, the unknown voice rang again, “Ah Yan.” She hesitatingly walked toward it for she
was attracted by the firm and kind voice from her grandpa’s workshop.
Surprisingly, Keung was standing in front of her! She was amazed by its swivelling eyes and pop-
up teeth. Its red colour (representing courage) and white fur (representing wisdom) made it look like a real
and powerful lion king. Keung said sincerely, “Can I be your faithful friend?” However, she spoke with
tears streaming down her cheeks, “No! Leave me alone. I am a jinx. There was a gossip among the
neighbours that I was abandoned by my parents simply because I am a girl but not a boy. My future is totally
hopeless.” “Be strong. Be brave. Don’t be pessimistic. You are a good girl while your grandpa was willing to
dedicate his life for you. He devoted his life for making lion dance’s heads like me too. I am very thankful
for my master,” Keung spoke with encouragement. She was touched.
Since then, she went to the workshop secretly every night. They became really good friends.
Keung comforted her as if it was her big brother. Ah Yan was no longer timid. Nor was she upset. But good
times didn’t last long.
One cloudy day, Ah Yan was heading to school with a big smile on her face. On the way to
school, she saw a few men wearing in black coming along from the railway. They went inside her house. All
of a sudden, her mood turned grey, with a lot of thick cloud over her mind.
After school, she rushed back home worrying what would happen. As soon as she stepped in the
house, Grandpa said with a serious tone, “Ah Yan, here is some money. Next week, you will ride the
railway to the town and find your aunt. I have arranged a secondary school for you. Don’t stay with me
anymore.” He walked to his bedroom and slammed the door. The house turned to dead silence.
Ah Yan ran to the workshop hurryingly. “Keung! Keung, I will be leaving here next week. I am
abandoned once again! Why does the fate always play cruel tricks on me?” she yelled with anger. “No,
you’re wrong this time. You have the best grandpa. Actually, those strangers bought the farm land which
has been abandoned since your parents left home. Grandpa collects enough money for you to attend a good
school in town. Moreover, do you know that your grandpa was very upset as well? Nobody wants to learn
this traditional handicraft,” Keung said with eyes full of encouragement, “Go to see your grandpa.”
She quietly walked to Grandpa’s room and saw him coughing. All of a sudden, she realised that
Grandpa was already very old. She ran to hug Grandpa while her heart was full of regret but also
thankfulness and understanding. “Ah Yan, stay strong. You are a good girl. You deserve a better future,” he
spoke softly when he was patting her head gently. Ah Yan had a warm flow in her heart deeply. It’s the first
time she felt the unconditional love of Grandpa. She cried gracefully and patted her beloved grandpa’s
back,” Thank you for everything you have done for me! You have to stay strong too. Wait for me,
Grandpa! I will come back after my study. I want to be your first female apprentice. Can you promise me?”
Grandpa smiled. Keung smiled. Everyone smiled.
This railway took Ah Yan to her secondary school, to her new life, and to her bright future.
T
