Hong Kong Young Writers Anthologies Fiction 2020complete | Page 581

resemblance to Shenzhen, with modern architecture and bustling streets, but also contains colossal
mountains, massive country parks, and carefully preserved historical sites. Not far from me, a gigantic
skyscraper reaches up towards the sky, it’s cuboid structure towering over me as I glide away from the
railway. I decide to head towards Central, a flourishing business district right next to Victoria Harbour,
which separates Hong Kong Island and Kowloon. As I fly across Victoria Harbour, I see several green and
white ferries cruising slowly across, each and every one packed full of delighted passengers enjoying the
view. Ahead of me, another imposing skyscraper looms over its surroundings, facing off against the previous
skyscraper, two giant sentinels standing at attention over the cityscape. As I finally reach the other end of the
harbour, I pass by a line of piers, each sending ships off towards various destinations on outlying islands.
What better way to get used to my new home than visiting one of its most popular tourist areas? Flying into
the sea of skyscrapers that is the Central area, I am surrounded by countless shops selling various merchandise
from high end fashion companies, arranged in several shopping malls that sit below numerous offices.
Hundreds of people walk the streets below me, with taxis, minibuses, buses, trams and other vehicles
roaming the roads. Far above me, the rumble of an aeroplane’s engines thunders through the air as the
immense machine roars through the sky. This feels just like home, maybe even busier, I thought. A Eurasian
tree sparrow flits across to me, and asks me if I’m new here. I nod, and he chirps: “I figured, you got that
astounded look on your face, many visitors are like that. This place has seen great economic prosperity for
recent years. How about I bring you somewhere that has great food for you to try?”. I remember I haven’t
eaten since yesterday, when I was living in the human’s residence, and I reply: “Of course, that would be
great, I’m starving!”
The sparrow leads the way, navigating his way through the streets with ease, expertly avoiding electric cables
and skimming through narrow alleys, until we finally reach a narrow street with several food stalls arranged
along it. A couple dozen people are sitting on worn out wooden stools, around small round tables, with
bowls of steaming hot congee, small plates of noodles and rice noodle rolls. My companion speeds forward
past the first five stalls, and finally stops and hovers in the air as he reaches the sixth and last stall. I am
surprised, as he seems to not be worried about humans at all; Perhaps it was just my previous experience that
made me feel that humans could not be trusted. Nonetheless, I head forward, and join him, hovering
outside the opening of the restaurant. He points with his wing and announces: “This is one of the many
restaurants in Hong Kong which sells congee which is one of the most traditional types of food Hong Kong
has! The woman that runs this place recognises me, and will always give me some food to eat. Let’s go!”.
We fly in together, and perch onto the counter. A kind looking woman in her sixties looks up at us, and
smiles at the sparrow. She reaches her hand forward towards him, and I flap my wings in alarm, but he
merely stands there as the woman gently strokes his feathers. The woman then turns and stares at me for a
while, and murmurs something under her breath, seemingly shocked at my appearance. She then turns
around and gets to work in the kitchen, whisking around pots and pans with expert skill. The sparrow looks
back and me, and assures me: “Relax, I’ve visited this place for the last two years. This human is caring and
considerate, she will not hurt you. She does look very surprised to see you though, you are a very rare bird.
I don’t think I’ve ever seen anything like you before, and I’ve been all over Hong Kong!”. I replied: “My
kind are from the north, and rarely come so far south. I am one of those that have travelled far away from
my birthplace, and I was living in Shenzhen until recently. I wish to settle down here for a while.” My
companion flaps his tiny wings in excitement and responds enthusiastically: “If you want, I can be your
guide for your time here! I know a lot about Hong Kong and I can make sure you will have an amazing
time here! Oh look, the food is here now!”
The old woman had returned with two tiny plates, each containing chopped up bits of youtiao (chinese
breadsticks). She sets both down on the marble surface, and gently nudges them towards us. I look over to
the sparrow, but he is already ravenously chowing down on his plate of youtiao, his beak aggressively
pecking the golden brown dough. I tentatively take a bite out of the youtiao, and instantly hunger
overwhelms me, and I also began eating voraciously. Within several minutes both our plates were
completely empty, and our host put back the two plates with an amused expression on her aged face. “We
should go now.” my companion announced. “I’ve got an idea; I’ll take you to some place interesting
tomorrow.” he added. I nod in agreement, and with a call of thanks towards the restaurant woman, we flew
out and up, soaring gracefully upwards until we disappeared from her sight.
It is night now, but just like Shenzhen, the sky is bright, filled with colourful lights from skyscrapers lining
both sides of Victoria Harbour. My companion points at them, and informs me that a light show will begin
soon. Right on cue, the tallest skyscraper emits a powerful beam of green light, arcing through the sky.