Fiction: Group 2
“Li?”
Li sighed.
“Li? Come see.”
Ma’s voice was full of hope. Li stared, wondering what was amiss.
“Ba!” Li whispered.
She ran to her father's welcoming arms.
“I was one of the lucky survivors, thank Buddha."
From then on, Li sketched family portraits instead of trees.
7 years later in 1997.
“What if they don't accept me?” The words crept into Li like a nightmare.
“Well, then you try again. Look where Kaipo is now! America! who would have thought he’d get
a scholarship?” chuckled Nai Nai.
“Now, Nai Nai,” said Ma shaking her head. “Li, if they don't accept you at HK University, then
they can't see talent when it’s in their hands,” sighed Ma.
“ I'm going to seal the envelope, okay?”
“Okay,” said Li numbly.
“Okay, then. Here we go.”
“Bring the buns, Ma. Come quick….”
“Now HK belongs to China again. Well, I don't know if that’s good, but for sure it will be easier
for you to get to Hong Kong, Li!” exclaimed Ba.
That night, Li could not sleep. She went downstairs.
“Ma?”
“Yes?”
“Ma, I can't sleep.”
“Let me make you some tea.”
“Thanks, Ma. Do you think I should go? I mean… to Hong Kong? What about Ba? I always help
him with the boat, how will you manage at home …….”
“Li, darling,” said Ma, handing Li some tea that was served in a delicate china cup. “Don’t worry.
”
Li took a sip of the relaxing herbal tea and breathed in the warm heat that rose from the cup. She closed her
eyes and then opened them again.
“But Ma… I've lived here my whole life!”
Ma hugged Li.
“You will come back.”
After a long minute of silence, Ma spoke.
“Go to bed and don't worry. I love you, Li, we’re proud of you. You have to live a life, travel the
world!”
And with the comfort of her mother's words, Li slept well.
“Li, a letter’s arrived. Come on, sleeping beauty!”
“I’m coming. Something smells nice! What is it?”
