Fiction: Group 2
The Ship in the Bottle
International Christian School, Chang, Sally - 9, Fiction: Group 2
words clanged. Groans from the injured sounded. Piercing screams echoed in the air. Soldiers fell
down. And there was silence. Awkward silence…
But that was the past. This is the modern times. Back then, Papa(or Jin Lam) died in the
horrible war and Mama died while giving birth to me, Ling. My older brother was Kim. Now, we live with
Grandma Ching, Grandpa Wu, Uncle Ting and Aunty Zhan. Before, Papa was a merchant. Now, Grandpa
Wu owned the house. Kim and I still live in the gigantic house. I love playing the harp and I also practice
karate. I dream of entering the huge karate competition- and join the karate class. I had a friend called Bao.
Bao was a muscular guy with huge- maybe we shouldn’t start with that. Trust me. I don’t lie. Bao
introduced me to a timid girl. He told me her name was Yu On. While I introduced myself, trees rustled in
the distance. Eyes peeked out from the berry bushes. Guns reflected on the Pearl River Delta. Feeling
watched I jogged home.
The next day…
As I finished my last kick on a tree, my foot hit something sharp. I yelped and felt for the object. It
was a ship in the bottle! The ship was embedded with emeralds and all sorts of wealth. It didn’t take me long
to know that it was a trap. I felt myself being gagged and my hands being tied up. I cursed the ship in the
bottle. I muttered, “Blasted ship.” My Uncle rushed out and tried to save me. But it was useless. I was gone.
Then, I fainted. When I came to. I was on a boat on the Pearl River Delta! I saw the bottle was hanging on
a nail. I had to get it back. Yu On grinning. YU ON!! That was it! If Bao introduced me to her on
purpose…My gag was being removed and my hands were free. “Hi Ling.” “Bao? What are you doing here
you monster! And, where am I?” “Me? Monster?!” “Yes Bao.” I cried. “I thought you were my friend[sob
sob]” “But I am your friend!” Bao shouted. “No! Our relationship is broken! FOREVER!” “Calm down
Ling. We’re on a ship.” Yu On said. I eyed her suspiciously. No, with hatred. I growled. “Stay away from
me, Yu On.” She took a step closer. “I said Stay Away!” One more step. I backed up and I ran. But
unfortunately, two huge guards blocked my path. I ducked between their huge arms and I swam to shore.
I was awakened by a little boy who, by my guesses was lost in the woods like me. I asked him what
his name was and where we were. “M-my n-name is No Lok. And, uh, we’re in the flower village,” He
said timidly. “My name is Ling. Pleased to meet you.” I told him.
We ducked under trees, running on the bumpy, rocky, road. I gasped. Yu On’s men were right on
our heels. “Run!” I shouted. We ran even faster until we had to stop. No Lok shuddered and cried, “Ling,
please. Help us.” Then, he gasped. “Are you, are you, Ling? The one who lives with her rich g-
grandfather?” “Yes.” I whispered. “I am Ling. Daughter of Jin Lam.” No Lok gasped. “I am honoured to
meet you.” “Thanks kid. But we should go now.” I was hungry since I didn’t eat my lunch, dinner and
breakfast. We ran and ran. I froze. There were men everywhere. They pointed their spears at us.
“Surrender!” One shouted. “YOU WILL NEVER TOUCH HER!” A new voice said. It was the villagers!
They waved their torches and screamed. “GO!” The villagers shouted. Yu On’s men ran away. But I was
suspicious.
The next day, I was sitting in the red-and-gold carriage, wearing a silk dress. I remembered the
facts about yesterday. Suddenly, two men pulling my carriage swiftly picked me up and I was tied up-again.
I was afraid. My Uncle sighed and tried to snatch me back. But it was no good. I had disappeared. I was
there again. On Yu On’s lame ship. “Gees, why do you keep snatching me away from my family, weirdo.”
I muttered. She smiled. “Oh, Ling. You don’t know?” “About what?” “Your Grandfather is a murderer.” I
gasped. “HOW DARE YOU!” “Ling, this is true.” A voice said. “I am a murderer.” “Grandpa!? B-but
why?” I sobbed. “I’m sorry I didn’t tell you.” “Grandfather said, pointing to them.” “I don’t know who I
trust. But No Lok is my best choice.” “Take my money, Ling. Stay with No Lok. He will be your brother.
Move to our house.” I’m sorry Ling. He thought. I have lied to you. But I will make things right one
day… Ling sobbed and wept bitterly in her room. She thought. I will get my revenge, grandfather. I will lie
to you like you lied to me! And her heart filled with evil.
S
