Hong Kong Young Writers Anthologies Fiction 4 - 7 2018 | Page 30

I turned and observed my surroundings as the novelty of being free began to set in. As I walked through the
busy streets of Shanghai, I started to think of ways that I can return to the west. Perhaps travel by plane? But
I could only wish to have enough to afford a flight. I continued pacing around the city; then I saw an
advertisement placed onto a pole.
“What is this?” I asked myself. I stepped closer towards the advertisement.
“A ship to the new world,” I gasped. “The boat leaves from Shanghai’s Port 5 after midday today.”
I looked for the time; the town clock read midday. I panicked. I immediately rushed towards the
port. I ran faster and faster until I could see the ship on the horizon. As I reached the port, I accidentally
bumped into a young gentleman.
“Oh, my! Please accept my apologies,” said the young gentleman as he was helping me up.
“I accept your apologies, kind Sir, but do excuse me I have a ship to board,” I replied, as I brushed
myself off.
This gentleman and I grinned to one another; then I rushed to board the ship to the western world.
As I approached the boat, I retrieved my passport, one that was custom made for me so that I was able to
escape the hell that was Europe. I handed it to the immigration officer for it to be stamped. The energy on
the boat was thrilling, everyone ever so eager and greedy to set sail for the new world. The anticipation
finally ended. Cheers and applause could be heard from miles away. I waved a farewell to those at the dock.
I remembered my scarf, and noticed the warmth that it was giving me, making me feel hopeful for a
successful future.
I headed towards the bow of the ship so that I was able to better view the waters. I let the composition of
the sparkling water and the glistening sun sink in. I read the clock; the time was quarter past four in the
afternoon. I decided that it was time to settle in and explore the ship. As I turned around, I bumped into a
young gentleman.
“So we meet again Ms.,” said this gentleman. “Oh, how rude can a person be? My name is Eli
Bissinger.”
“Mr Bissinger, a pleasure to acquaint with you once more. I’m Dalia, Dalia Aderman.”
“Ms Dalia Aderman, what brings you to this ship?”
“Well I was going to ask the same the question of you, kind sir,” I responded. “I just fled the
Hongkew ghetto; now that Jews are no longer being held hostage from our freedom, I have taken it upon
myself to return to the western world and make new discoveries of my own.”
“I admire your bravery, Ms Aderman. May I say we are on the boat for the same reason? I myself escaped
from Europe as a young child and I have always yearned to explore the world, since I never quite
understood the situation in Europe when I was a young fellow. I believe in seeing the greatness of the
world, I desire to leave these horrific memories behind me and to form a bright future.”
I listened to every word that this clever young man had to convey. Finally, someone who shared
my feelings and beliefs.
As we strolled across the deck, I reflected on the luck that I was having. Being able to flee the ghetto was
considered unrealistic; yet, I had finally done it! I reflected on the moment I arrived in Shanghai, off the
loud train and into the unknown. I could not comprehend how I as now sailing to the western world. I
walked into my room and settled in. This was my home for the next fortnight or two. I decided it is for the
best that I lay down for a little.
I suddenly woke up and realised it was dinnertime. I shut the door and walked to the restaurant.
On my way, I saw a flier which read: “This ship will sail to Spain, Italy, the United Kingdom and finally,
the United States of America.” I am in utter awe. Never had I once thought that I would be able to travel
across the seven to a new world. My body fills with excitement. I take the flyer and run as fast as the speed
of light, dropping my knitted scarf and leaving it behind.
I paced around in the hope of finding Eli. I saw a man in a trench coat and thought that, perhaps, that could
be Eli. I approached the man and tapped him on the shoulder.
“Oh, Ms Aderman! I have been looking for you.”
“Mr Bissinger, I have news to share! It never occurred to me that we would be sailing to so many
varied places; we are going to visit countries and places I never thought I would see with my own eyes!”
I handed Eli the flyer. As he began to read the information, his face showed worry.
“Mr Bissinger, is something the matter?” I inquired. He looked back at me.
“No, no everything is alright,” Eli responded. “Come, and let us enjoy the night.”