Hong Kong Young Writers Anthologies Fiction 12 | Page 348

The Wall
Po Leung Kuk Choi Kai Yau School, Huang, Kacey - 11
Mother walked into the living room one night with good news. "We're going to see the remaining section of the
wall!"
"The... wall?" 12-year old Alexandra wondered aloud, tossing her brown hair to one side. She snapped the
book she was reading shut, and left her room.
"There was once a wall surrounding our city," Mother explained. "It was once used to defend us from
Japanese pirates."
Alexandra shuddered at the thought of pirates raiding their city, but Mother continued on.
"I think going there will enrich your knowledge about Shanghai, children."
Mother handed out their dinner, and Alexandra beamed. "My favourite Xiaolongbao from the Nanxiang
Bun Shop! Thank you!"
Mother smiled. "No problem, darling."
Suddenly, 15-year old Axel, Alexandra's brother, sat up, and flipped a mop of his raven-black hair that
hung over his eyes.
"Do we really have to go?" he moaned.
Mother nodded firmly.
"But I'm-" Axel protested.
"You must go," Mother insisted.
"Fine," Axel grumbled under his breath.
The next day, Alexandra woke up bright and early.
"Ready?" Mother smiled.
Alexandra nodded, glancing quickly at Axel, who was sitting on a chair. "Wake up from your daydream,
sleepyhead!" she hissed.
"I wasn't daydreaming!" Axel shot back.
Alexandra sent a glare, but Axel sat up anyway, and the two left with Mother.
When they reached the wall, Mother spread her hands dramatically. "Behold! The 8.1 meter high wall!"
"The wall was built in 1553 and most of it was demolished in 1912, except two parts." she continued.
"It's amazing," breathed Alexandra. "But why did they demolish it?"
"Mostly because it is said to be an obstacle for trade in this city," Mother explained.
"Oh," Axel said, clearly not interested. "How long again until we get home, Mother?"
"Not long, dear. Patience is a valuable lesson that should be learned, Axel." Mother said in a regal voice.
"Plus, don't you think there's a wall like this between you two siblings?"
Axel's face seemed to darken. "No there isn't. We get along fine." Axel forced out a reply, shooting
Alexandra a glare.
"Very." Alexandra said. "Very fine."
Clearly noticing the conflict between the two, Mother whispered, "Axel-he's actually a good person. It
could take some time, but... you'd understand, Alexandra. You'd know someday, after you break the barrier
between you and your brother." Alexandra furrowed her brow, but nodded anyway.
Soon, after a visit to a nearby museum and to buy a souvenir of a carpet, Mother checked her watch. "It's
getting late, and we better hurry back home."
Once they got home, Mother said, "I'm going to do some chores. Axel, do you want to help out?"
"Why me?" Axel moaned, but he obliged.