Hong Kong Young Writers Anthologies Fiction 12 | Page 94

Friendship
Clearwater Bay School, Shi, Angela – 8
I
n 1848，six years after the Opium War, a ship was sailing across the pacific ocean from London to
Shanghai. It carried a seven years’ old boy named Ethan. He was traveling with his father who went to
Shanghai to trade gems and tea with Chinese. His mother was dead so Ethan could not stay in London alone.
Ethan’s heart pumped up and down as he didn’t know what will happen to him in the new strange land. He
wished he was still in London, with his friends, and his parents.
When they arrived at Old Shanghai, Ethan's father immediately got to work trading and Ethan was left with a few
servants. Unfortunately the servants were old and could not play with him. Ethan felt really lonely and desperate to
find some friends of his age, although he knew it would almost be impossible. One day he followed some Chinese
children to an open area. It seemed to be a playground since lots of children were playing there. They stared at
Ethan, who looked completely different from them, from hair and eye color to clothing, and whispered to each
other frantically, some snorted and made rude noises. Although Ethan could not understand he could feel that they
were sneering at him. His lip quivered and he burst into tears.
A girl who was playing with a wood toy looked up and saw Ethan crying. She walked up and asked him “Are you
okay?’’ Her clothes did not look as expensive as other girls, but she had a very kind face and a gentle voice. Ethan was
shocked that she could speak English. “How did you learn English?” he blurted out.
The girl smiled and replied “My father could speak English, he taught me how to read, speak and write. Do you
want to try playing this? ’’ She held out a seven small pieces of wood (tangram) and taught him how to play it. Ethan
found this amazing. He had found a friend. The girl’s name happened to be Chi-Yuen. She was eight years’ old.
Her father died two years ago and she live with her mother. They were poor but happy. When they had finished
with their game it was dinnertime. The two friends promised they would meet again at the same place tomorrow.
They played merrily for several days until one morning he found a letter on his doorstep.
Dear Ethan
I’m sorry to say, but I told my mother about you. My mother does not allow me to play with foreigners like you.
Although I cannot talk to you face by face, I’ll promise to write to you everyday. I will sorely miss you and I hope
you will think fondly of me.
Best wishes
Chi-Yuen
Ethan was really sad after reading this note, but the fact that Chi-yuen would write to him everyday brightened him
up. Life was just as boring as before, no, even more boring than before, when he could not play with Chi-Yuen.
After a long lonely day Ethan just had dinner and went to bed as usual. Several days continued like this, but the
highlight of each day was Chi-Yuen’s letter.
But after 10 days Chi-Yuen’s letters stopped coming. Ethan was really worried and decided to walk to Chi-Yuen’s
house. When he arrived he knocked on the door. Chi-Yuen’s head peeked out. Her face was icy white and her eyes
glittered with tears. “Hello Ethan, I'm sorry I haven't been able to write. My mother has got a serious sickness and
we cannot afford the medicine. I am trying everything. I promise I'll write to you when she is feeling better.” And
with that she closed the door leaving him alone. Ethan slowly walked home feeling miserable. He hoped he could
help. Suddenly, he got an idea. He could call a doctor and pay for the medicine. When he came home he banged
open his piggy bank, only a few dimes rolled out from the hole. “Will this be enough to get a doctor?” he asked his
servant. “We don’t use that in China.” replied the servant.
“Then I have to ask for father’s help” thought Ethan. When his father came back from work Ethan explained why
he needed the money. His father was a strict man but had a big heart. “Why do you want to help a stranger?” His
father asked incredulously. “She is my only friend here, not a stranger.” He told him about the amazing time they
had when they were playing. “But her mom does not want her to play with you anymore.” His father frowned. “I