Hong Kong Young Writers Anthologies Fiction 2020complete | Page 375

Cantonesia Dulwich College Beijing, Lam, Yoko - 12 I rise from my peaceful dreams to the songs of chirping birds outside my window. Their sweet music guides me to another world until they glide away to awaken another friend. Bringing me back to my new home, I am reminded of my place in the world. Beijing, Macau, Hong Kong and China are demolished, sworn never to be mentioned or reconstructed. Combining them, we have created a region with more land than Switzerland, more citizens than Canada and more activity than Australia! It is a peaceful home where everyone is united - strangers are greeted with open arms - and there are no slaves, helpers, drivers or anyone unfairly treated. I walk down to the kitchen, where my family has already sat down, waiting my arrival. “Good morning, Ai Xi.” They smile and chorus. Father gestures for me to take a seat at the round table. “Good morning, father, Esi, Qiu Xi.” Father rises, “What would you like this morning?” “I’ll grab myself some congee.” Father nods and smiles. As The Leader’s family, he encourages us to eat traditional food such as congee. As it is the last day of the year, or Nian as we call it, everyone heads to the City Square for the first annual Xin Nian (New Year) Festival. “Welcome one and all.” Father booms. “We gather to celebrate a Xin Nian. We leave behind our misery and step boldly! Now, rewarding those good deeds.” Citizens are rewarded for all good deeds; presents are exceptionally rare. Father peers at the list of names. “From Shan Liang Xue Xiao (School of Kindness). Anna, Xiao Xue and Ai Li Si.” The threesome grin from ear to ear as they receive their presents. Anna receives an adorable, fluffy, white rabbit keychain, a replica of the one she rescued on the loose (although it was me who pointed it out to Anna) and Xiao Xue, my best friend, eagerly accepts an engineer kit for helping with the one-broken Shan Liang water pipe system. What did Ai Li Si do to earn the Harry Potter series? Harry Potter is one of the most valued books; one that cannot be found anywhere. Although I am in Shan Liang, I haven’t witnessed her deed. I helplessly watch them pose for pictures and giddily skip to their awaiting families, who shower them in congratulations. I bet I look like I swallowed something sour – especially when their mothers hug them. Esi intensely studies my reaction as father turns over the paper. Maybe it was on the other side? “Yong Gan (School of Bravery). Bin Sen and Qiu Xi.” Cheers erupt for The Leader’s youngest son. “Stop!” My brother stubbornly marches onto the stage. The boys on the stage freeze. The crowd silences, sensing the tension in the atmosphere. “To think this is the oldest son of The Leader!” Cries an old man. This triggers the last straw. Father halts, anxiety rising. “Esi Lin, you know the laws! Stop this at once!” The audience hovers, uncertain what to do. (Full names come with power.) Esi forces himself onto the stage. When he does, the audience gasps, knowing Esi is breaking the law. “Give me a chance, father. The list is incorrect. Neither Ai Li Si nor Bin Sen has done anything worth acknowledging.” The kids nod in agreement. “And you’ve missed Ai Xi! You remembered Qiu Xi, but what about Ai Xi? To call yourself our father or even The Leader!” Chaos erupts like a volcano. Some head for the door; others run forwards and throw whatever is closest at father and Esi. A sharp whistle deafens our ears. “Stop, my land of peace! Stop immediately!” It was so quiet you could hear the clock ticking. “Esi Lin, I don’t know what’s gotten into you! Ai Li Si, Bin Sen, apologise for starting this unacceptable havoc and give up your presents to Ai Xi! Ai Xi Lin, get up here. I’m glad Jin Nian is over soon!” I try not to move forwards, but my name rings in my ears, beckoning me, taunting me.