Hong Kong Young Writers Anthologies Fiction 4 - 7 2018 | Page 6

After arriving in Paris, they rode a strange metal tube to a large building. He did not get a very good look at
the exterior before he was rushed inside. He found himself watching as Li Meiwen opened a large wooden
door and quietly walked inside a large room filled with angry people. They were all arguing with each
other, but the room fell silent when one man spoke.
“The United States is leaving, so what we need to focus on now is fixing what we can. China is taking
strides to eliminate air pollution, and we have 172 participants of this accord. We should stop talking about
what we’re losing and start talking about what we can gain.”
The other representatives nodded and resumed speaking, but he could not stop looking at the man who’d
spoken. He looked disturbingly familiar. It was only when the meeting adjourned and the man went to the
food table that Xuanzang recognized him.
“Zhu Bajie!” he cried, rushing to his side.
“Xuanzang! I was waiting for you to show up. You must be the lovely Li Meiwen,” he said, turning to her.
“I was glad to get your call yesterday, but you are even more beautiful in person.”
She blushed and stuttered her thanks, agreeing to meet later to discuss some official business. When she was
gone, Xuanzang shot Bajie a glare.
“You still can’t stay away from the ladies.”
“True, but we have more important issues to discuss.”
“Indeed. What do you do in this group? What is the goal?”
“I represent Germany in this group, which hopes to lessen and eventually eliminate pollution and other
environmental issues.” Bajie said proudly.
“What exactly does this “accord” mean?”
“The countries that participate have to show a national effort record and share data about their emissions and
progress on what they implement.”
“Is it working?”
“Somewhat. Air pollution in China has lessened, and European countries are increasing the use of electric
cars andpassing other eco-friendly laws. Would you come with me to meet other representatives?” His eyes
filled with hope.
“Of course, just let me use the restroom.”
He opened the door and slipped inside. When he passed the mirror, he realized his reflection looked
distorted. He looked in another mirror to see if was also warped. Before he could look, he felt the floor
drop from under him as the world went black.
When he reopened his eyes, he was in his own bed. He gasped for breath and stumbled out of his tent. Just
a dream.
He reassured himself as he looked for Wukong, who was visiting him today. Xuanzang went to greet him as
he saw
Wukong approaching.
“Welcome back, friend.” he said, clasping hands with the monkey.
“Are you well? You look like you’ve seen a ghost.”