Fiction: Group 2
The Mystery of the Pearl River
Shanghai Singapore International School, Nothhaft, Kiara - 11, Fiction: Group 2
y heart was pounding out of my chest. It was a cold, dark night and I was alone. I stepped out of
my camp tent into the wilderness of China. The trees in front of me parted and I was standing
before a boy. He looked about thirteen years old, tears streamed down his face.
“Help my village!” He cried. I nodded to him. He ran into the forest and I followed. My heart
beat quickly. What if I never made it back to camp?
No, I’m not selfish. This boy needs help.
We ran for what seemed like forever until we stumbled out of the forest. I looked ahead and saw a
village engulfed in flames. Red sparks flew into the air. People were running around trying to put out the
flames with water from the nearby river.
Soon the flames were put out. Smoke wafted in the air, as we searched for survivors. I saw an old
woman speaking to the boy. I had been studying Chinese and caught on to what they were saying.
“Ming, he loved you very much.”
Ming … death … something wasn’t right. He was looking at a lifeless body … his father.
It was devastating to see others grieve. I felt like I was responsible for not being able to save them.
Later, I met Ming and his family. He has a sister and a brother, AnNa and Zhong, and his Grandma
Mei. Ming was about to send me back to camp but Grandma Mei stopped us.
“We can still save this village, there’s an ancient legend but we need your help, Lily.”
Ming helped me get back to camp that night. I secretly packed my bags and set off for the village
again. Grandma Mei told us about that the ancient objects that were buried in the famous Pearl River. The
legend was passed through different generations that made sure the bloodline would not seek these objects
for selfish reasons. These objects were said to call attention to the gods. I started doubting myself. Who goes
out for an adventure with a bunch of strangers looking for who knows what? I thought about my parents
who were probably worrying about me.
Maybe in the morning I’ll wake up at home.
I knew this was the
right thing to do, and my mind was at ease. I slowly drifted off to sleep.
I woke up to the smell of pancakes. I was snug in my blanket; I felt the warm sun on my face. I
opened my eyes slowly.
Had the universe heard my wish? Was I back home safe and sound?
I was home!
This was too good to be true. I went down to the kitchen, everything was normal.
“Are you alright?” my mother asked. I told them about the dream. “Don’t worry Lily, we’re here.”
The sound of my dad’s reassuring voice made me so happy. I was home with my family. This is where I
belong. When I scrambled back to bed that night I fell asleep instantly.
I woke up with a start, knocking AnNa and myself to the floor. Everyone else was awake, it was
morning. I got ready quickly. Ming’s mother Li, paid for our bus ride to a nearby village at Pearl River. By
the time we arrived it was dusk and I was feeling queasy. Ming and Zhong shared a room while AnNa, Li
and I took up the adjoining one. I told AnNa and Li about my strange dreams. Instantly, AnNa jumped to
her feet, opened her bag and pulled out a thick, dusty book turning to a page.
AnNa told a story about an Irish man who wished to travel. He met a leprechaun that gave him
riches and a power. He was able to exist in two places at once, during dreams.
I really didn’t believe it. Li thought he might be my ancestor, whose powers might have been
passed on. I finally fell asleep after tossing and turning.
M
