Fiction: Group 2
Sara’s Journey
ISF Academy, Kim, Raewon - 10, Fiction: Group 2
ara, come here right now!” shouted Ms. Wick. As furious as always, she was in Sara’s dormitory.
Sara, face as white as a sheet came rushing towards the voice, still holding the brush she was
using for toilet duty.
“What in the world is that creature doing here?” asked the caretaker. Sara froze. It was Lisa, her
buddy’s secret pet mouse!
“Sorry! We know you don’t allow pets, but please! Don’t be cruel to it, it’s harmless!” Sara
stammered.
“Harmless? You’re talking nonsense. Lisa! Come over here this instant!” Ms. Wick screeched.
A terrified Lisa came rushing towards the room. When she saw the mouse and Ms. Wick, she became
petrified with fear.
“You two clean the dishes for the whole orphanage for a month! And I’ll get rid of this thing.
Ughhhh!” the caretaker said with a cruel smile curling up her lips.
“Please don’t flush it, or hurt it, or torture it! Just… take it out to nature!” Sara was desperate for
her friend, who looked like she was already in pieces.
“Rubbish! Go finish your toilet duty, right now!” Ms. Wick demanded. Sara and Lisa rushed out of the
room before they were thrown out.
*
The large shipping boats that held colossal amounts of cargo that crossed the river always fascinated
Sara. Since the orphanage was right beside the Pearl River, late at night, Sara would always gaze contently
outside at the huge ships.
‘What if…” she would always wonder, “I rode one of those ships to the other side of the world?
But, where is it?” Later, by the help of the library, she figured out the ships were carrying the exported
goods from her own country, Guangzhou to other countries. This always amazed Sara, and it was her
greatest desire to get on those grand ships at least once.
*
“ Wake up! The head is calling you.” Lisa called. Sara’s eyelids fluttered as she woke up. In a daze,
she asked:
“ Why does he want me so early?” Sara quickly got dressed and rushed down to the head’s room.
Stopping to take a breath before going in, she gazed at the marble door that read “Head of Orphanage”.
Slowly heaving out strength, she pushed the door open.
“Sara. I have some interesting news for you. Do come in,” the old man said, without looking up
from his heavy spectacles.
“I’ve been looking at your files, and realized that you have an uncle living in Hong Kong. We
could always arrange you a flight to Hong Kong if you want”. Sara was shocked.
“Pardon? An uncle? In Hong Kong? Is Hong Kong at the other side of the world? Do you mean I
could ride one of those cargo ships that always pass by?”
“Sara, Hong Kong is not at the other side of the world. But it’s where the ships often go. And
sorry, honey, the cargo ships aren’t for travelling. It’s only for goods.” The head replied patiently.
“Oh…” Sara said, a new brightening thought flashing violently in mind. ”Thank you for the
news.”
“Sure, you’re welcome to come here anytime. Oh! This is your uncle’s picture. Take it.” The
warm-hearted head said.
Contented with joy, Sara came out the room skipping gaily back to her room, holding the precious
photo in her hands, new hope bursting out of her mind.
That night, Sara stayed awake the whole night, forming a grand plan in her mind. ‘I finally get to
ride those fascinating cargo ships!’
BONG! The midnight bell stroked. Sara had made herself a to-do list for dawn.
“Go to the kitchen and get food.” She read. Crouching down, she slid all the way to the empty
kitchen.
“S
