Hong Kong Young Writers Anthologies Fiction 1-2 | Page 442

Bridge
Shanghai Singapore International School (SSIS), Wong, Edith - 12
I
wiped the sweat from my forehead, using my giant robe sleeves. Zhang was beside
me complaining, “Master, where is that water you promised?” I smiled softly at
Zhang. “Soon, Zhang, soon. Patience.” I slowly trudged through the desert sand,
trying to navigate the wide GA shun Gobi Desert. The footprints behind me were long
gone, as if the sand was desperate to cover my efforts. The sun raised higher into the sky,
causing me to realize that it was only noon. Zhang, as if reading my thoughts, begged
impatiently, “Sir, it is noon now. We have been walking nonstop since midnight. Resting
must not be a problem.” I answered firmly before continuing to walk, leading the horse.
“Zhang, an important virtue in Buddhism is determination. Determination is the value
that leads all to success. I would not wish to stop.” Zhang’s dried, cracked lips silence.
*********
I am Xuan Zang, a monk from Chang An, China. I am 29 years old now; an orphan since
10, a monk since 13. Buddhism is all messed up in China. The emperor in my city, Tang
Tai Zong, doesn’t support Buddhism. But my fate changed one day when I met an Indian
monk. He had an aura around him that showed he has a lot of knowledge. My young and
naïve 26-year-old self was clueless around him and I called him Master. He would smile
modestly and be gentle in his manner, “India, it is where Buddhism lives” he would often
murmur. After he had left, I spent days reflecting on my life. A part in my life was
missing, missing like piece of a Chinese scroll. I escaped from my messed-up city as it was
preparing for war. Along my journey, I promised a villager who gave me food and shelter
that I would accept his son under my wing. His name - Zhang.
**********
So far, Zhang and I have arrived at the borders of the city Gao Chang, not knowing what
to expect. “Gao Chang is one of the richest cities in China,” he explained. “They are
known for their strong army and their stubborn king.” My face remained emotionless,
hiding my embarrassment. What would the city think of us? Chinese cities are extremely
strict, for we are cautious people and like to be on guard. We went straight to the royal
palace as it is customary to have permission to travel across Gao Chang. “Welcome to Gao
Chang city! You must be the famous monk who escaped Chang An to go to India. Yes,
we have all heard about you. You see, Gao Chang is now a Buddhist country. We
welcome all monks, Chen.”
After days of spending time with the emperor and sharing about Buddhism, the emperor’s
eyes blazed with resolve. “Stay!” he muttered forcefully. He would not accept that my
journey was to the land of Buddhism. For days he tried to force me into changing my
mind. Finally, I had no ideas to work out as the emperor will not accept my response; I
played my final card - hunger strike. The next four days, I grew hungrier and weaker, but
I had to go on my journey. On the fifth day, I blacked out. I felt cold water pressed to my
lips as I slowly opened my eyes. The emperor was chanting “sorry” repeatedly as he
promised to let me go. He gave me enough supplies to finish my journey. I smiled, tears
uncontrollably streaming down my face as we prayed and repeated mantras together one
last time. We may be different. He is an emperor and I am a monk but we prayed in the
temple as brothers.
***********