Hong Kong Young Writers Anthologies Fiction 3 2018 | Page 206

“Hey, learn how to appreciate food and their unique taste! Doughnuts don’t taste like cardboard, they are
sweet, with sugar sprinkled on top!” WuKong and BaJie argued back and forth, and it was clear to see who
was who without even looking at them. “Sand, don’t you think doughnut tastes like cardboard?” WuKong
turned to Sand, who was following their conversation. “I think you should quiet down. Master is trying to
rest. What are you two doing, getting fired up over food?” At the mention of XuanZang, both fell in a
hush, but they still glared at each other. XuanZang lifted his lips, forming a smile. “Ah, the thoughtful one.
He is a hard worker, too! I don’t know what I’d do without him. In fact, I don’t think I can survive this
without any of them!” he thought.
As the troop strolled across the gorges, they found themselves at the end of the deep valley. In front
of them was a wide river. They stared at it, wide-eyed. How were they supposed to pass through the river,
let alone continue the journey? As the group glimpsed around the area, looking for materials, a centaur
appeared. This half horse half human being was surprisingly short, but fat. “Explain yourself. Who do you
think you are, intruding my kingdom and messing with my properties?” The centaur growled. He aimed at
XuanZang and roared. Fire rushed out of his mouth, and Sand hurried to defend his master. Sand watched
as the fire burned him, from his toes, to his knees… He couldn’t collapse, as XuanZang was underneath
him, safe from the attack. The only thing that mattered in this trip was getting his master to the West in
safety. This was not about him.
Time was running out. WuKong took off his little vest and wrapped it around Sand. The fire was
rising, and both of Sand’s legs were already on fire. BaJie dragged Sand, but there was still a long way to go.
There was still a great distance between the land and river, but fire had risen up to Sand’s stomach now. His
throat was hoarse from all the yelling, and lay there limply while BaJie pulled him. Sand stared at the river
hopelessly, and gave his last speech. “Master, it was an honour to serve you. WuKong, BaJie, we were close
like brothers, and I am lucky to have met friends like you. Thank you for letting me end my story with you.
Farewell.” Sand took one last glance at his friends, then closed his eyes, knowing that they were never going
to open again. “No!” XuanZang cried. “I should never let you defend me! The fire was aimed at me, not
you!” XuanZang sobbed, knowing that it was too late for regrets, too late to say sorry. Everyone was
heartbroken, and no one had even realized that the centaur was long gone.
The trio progressed, but they were sorrowful and dejected. WuKong was no