Hong Kong Young Writers Anthologies Fiction 12 | Page 300

For the first time, we time traveled to old Shanghai, it was at war. So there were babies crying, war cries and
rubble everywhere. But now, the city was glamorous but torn apart by many foreign forces, Japan, Great Britain,
American…… Many steam boats and cargo ships were moving along the Yangzi River slowly, throwing up sprays
of water, and loud blasts of sirens could be occasionally heard. Myriads of neon-lights twinkled and glimmered on
the pubs and nightclubs that were frequented by foreign officials and expats dressed in expensive suits.
Inside these establishments, the music of decadence was playing all night long, and when mixed with the
intoxicating smell of alcohol and cigar, an ethereal and extravagant atmosphere was created for those indulgent
clients.
“So beautiful here, yet so colorless.” I thought in awe. While the General rambled about the history of Shanghai, I
took notes while Crystal snapped pictures of almost everywhere with her camera. Just when we were starting to
enjoy ourselves, a bomb erupted behind us and gunshots lashed out at us. Crystal was the first to react. She lay
down immediately and pulled us down too. Luckily, no one was hurt after the sudden attack was over. Screams
filled the air as everyone fled for their lives. Even the General looked frantic, as he grimly told us that he was
needed in the army.
Then he fled the scene, leaving us behind. “Wait……” I called out. I wanted to help them fight, but Crystal
tapped on my shoulder and gently said, “Let’s go, we have a project to do.” As much as I wanted to protest, I
knew deep down in my heart she was right. Our project was much more important that going off to war.
I closed my eyes and pictured the place we came from, safe and sound. Melting through time, I thought to myself,
smiling “Where will I go next time? Ancient Spain, where bloody bull fighting was seen, or to the time where the
Trojans fought?”