Hong Kong Young Writers Anthologies Fiction 4 - 7 2018 | Page 20

“Here, have some water.” He passes me a bowl of water. “But, you should leave soon.” Leave? To where? I
look at him in total incomprehension. He sighs, “Did you really forget what Master Lee has said? Master
said you need to travel to India for a Buddhist scripture, as punishment.” The old monk stares at me in
sympathy.
“We will both be punished if Master finds out you’re here. You should go now. I’ll lead you out. Come
on,” He speaks as he’s walking out of the door. I nod and follow him.
“West, should be the way to India. There, do you see that mountain? Keep walking that way and you will
arrive in one day.” He points at a mountain far away. “Take care, Xuanzang. You shall encounter many
dangers on your journey.” The old monk claps his hands twice. A monkey appears out of nowhere. “His
name is Wukong. Don’t underestimate him. He’s more than just a monkey. Take him with you. I suppose
he will be helpful in your upcoming journey.” He says with a smirk. I frown again. How would a monkey
be helpful?
“Thank you.” I give the old monk a smile, and set off for the journey to the west.
After a while, about a few hours later, I sit down next to a tree to rest. To my surprise, that monkey called
Wukong appears the moment I sit down. I stare at him blankly. Was he following me all this time? I pet his
head gently. “Good boy, Wukong,” well, I guess it won’t be too boring now that I have a company.
Wukong gives me a pure grin.
Suddenly, I hear a sound of drumming coming from my tummy. Oh god, I totally forgot about food. I look
around worriedly. There’s obviously nothing for me to eat. “What to do, Wu-” I turn my head to
Wukong, who is holding a piece of meat in his hands. I am dumbfounded by what I see. Where in the
world does this meat come from? Wukong hands the meat to me. It’s even cooked. I stare at the meat in
hesitation. Is it okay for me to eat it? Wukong seems to understand what I was uncertain about it. He grabs
the meat in my hands and swallows the whole thing in a second. I am shocked again by his action. “What
do I eat then if you eat my food?” I shake my head and laugh. A cooked piece of meat appears in front of
me again as he holds it in his hands. I gasp in surprise and take the meat slowly. What an extraordinary
monkey. Well then, I think at least I don’t have to worry about being starved to death.
Time flies, a few months pass, we cross through forest after forest, and climb through mountain after
mountain. Thanks to Wukong, I haven’t been bored during this journey. Almost every risk and danger was
solved by Wukong. Speaking of Wukong, I’m really thankful to that old monk for giving me this magical
monkey.
Just when I think I will have to endure another long walk, I hear some noises from not so far away. A grin
rests on my lips with amusement. Is that a village over there? I rush there in excitement, ignoring the
deportment that a monk should have. I slow down at the entrance of the village, panting.
Wukong catches up from behind and jumps on my shoulder. Sitting on my shoulder has become his habit
over these few months. Three man are chatting next to a well. I try to hold my nerves and walk towards
them.
“Excuse me sir? Where is this place?” I look at them nervously.
The three men stare at me in shock. “What do you mean?” one man replies.
“Umm…I mean, am I in India?” I ask carefully.
They now look even more shocked. I guess my question leaves them completely speechless. “Of course this
is India. Where else do you think this is?” only after a while, the man answers with confusion on his face.
“Thank you sir. Thank you so much.” My mouth seems to be out of control and grins again.