Hong Kong Young Writers Anthologies Fiction 4 - 7 2018 | Page 114

The Unimaginable Detour
Island School, Mak, Chloe - 14
T
he icy wind numbed the faces of the pilgrims as they trudged wearily up the hill. The clouds grew
darker, a thick haze forming ahead. A deafening roar filled the sky and out of nowhere, bullets of
rain pelted onto their skin.
“Can we rest now?” Pigsy complained, “My legs are sore, my arms are tired and I can’t even see my feet in
front of me!”
“Well that’s only because your tummy is so big, you can’t see anything else!” Monkey snickered.
“SHUT UP, MONKEY!”
“Both of you stop bickering! We’ll stop when we see shelter!” Xuanzang sighed.
Xuanzang was worn out from the bumpy ride on the back of Yulong the horse. His three disciples,
Monkey, Pigsy and Sandy continued dragging themselves up the path, hoping to find cover. Suddenly, a
boy dressed in rags ran out from behind the trees with his hands out. Monkey turned, pulling out a piece of
hair, and turned it into a sword in one swift blow.
“LEAVE US ALONE!” Monkey threatened, pointing the sword at the boy. “NOW!”
The boy gave a small sneer, only seen by Monkey, before running away crying.
“MONKEY! HOW DARE YOU CHASE AWAY THAT POOR BOY!” Xuanzang shouted.
“YOU DON’T UNDERSTAND, MASTER. HE IS A DEMON IN DISGUISE!” Monkey protested.
“ONE MORE WORD OF NONSENSE AND YOU’LL BE PUNISHED!”
Monkey grunted in annoyance, not saying another word for the rest of their journey.
They had been walking for two hours, the rain doubled, the path steepened and finally they noticed a small
cottage just distinguishable behind the misty fog and layers of bushes. Seeing the shelter, they walked up
with a bit more spirit, ready for a cozy rest. Just as they were arriving, an elderly woman with a kind smile
opened the door.
“YOU AGAIN!” Monkey yelled, whipping out the sword.
Again, he saw the same, small sneer form across her face.
“MONKEY!”
“I SAID TO LEA- ARGH” Monkey shrieked, grabbing his head before running away from pain as
Xuanzang chanted the Ring Tightening Mantra.
“I am so sorry for his behaviour, I’m not sure what has gotten into my disciple, Monkey. Please forgive us,
we would be so grateful if you let us stay for a while,” Xuanzang apologized.
“That is quite alright. Come in, come in!” The old lady beckoned joyfully, “It must be so cold outside, have
a seat, I have some freshly made dumplings.”
“We truly appreciate your help, Ma’am. These dumplings are delicious!” Xuanzang said, dipping his piece
in some soy sauce.