Hong Kong Young Writers Anthologies Fiction 4-7 2019 | Page 120

I was summoned to the captain’s quarters. The captain was fearful for my safety should the crew members find out I had
spilled the beans. I was immediately made a junior officer and had the protection of the other officers and the Captain
himself. The Captain was surprised that I was a fully literate young man, so an opportunity to be in charge of navigation
was given to me. It is a task and challenge I was looking forward to. My personal effects were immediately moved to
the upper deck, a comfort I would enjoy for the rest of my life as my new cabin was only shared by one other officer
who smelt quite sweet comparatively to my last bunkmates.
My new occupation afforded me time for my beloved bird life and geography, however, the snarls from my old crew-
mates could be heard a distance away like a pack of hungry dogs waiting to kill.
My navigational skills were testing me. As we passed a small group of islands, I had informed the captain we were
making good time and would arrive in India in the next two months. However, from the look on the Captain’s face
and the shape and size of the islands we have passed should have alerted me to the fact of my foolishness. I was swiftly
informed by the captain that we were still 7 months from the destination. My face has not glowed so red. I understand
that I still have a lot to learn, and thankfully, I have not sunk us yet.
Fourth Entry—Early Winter, Late October 1408
“Near Misses”
This has been the longest time since I have written a word, as I have just returned from 3 months in the sick bay. As I
was checking our course and the relative position of the stars, I was set upon by at least 3 or 4 burly crew members.
Their identities, although unknown, was revealed by their language and odours. I even have my suspicions that one of
them was my former bunk mate. However, I dare not to believe it after all the guidance I have given him. It would be
a bitter pill to swallow. I was soon found left alone laying on the ground. I was carried away by one of the officers and
sent to the sick bay immediately. When the captain inquired about my attackers after I awoke, I decided to stay mute
about my former bunk mate. I still had some bond with him even if only slight now.
During the sick days, I continued to study navigational techniques. Although others treated me well, looking after me
during their leisure time, only Xiao He and I became close friends. He worked in the sick bay, therefore we spent many
humorous nights chatting and sharing ambitions and past times. I was told that Xiao He was highly-educated but forced
to go on this journey by his father for him to endure hardship, take responsibility, and become a real man. Xiao He and
I shared a love of nature, so we discussed mountain walks, the wildlife, and the beauty of summer days near running
water.
Being shy, Xiao He suffered with his emotions somewhat, a man with little confidence who would always ask or look
towards others for help. Panicked easily as though that of an abused child, and a face of a beaten dog. Confidence shot
to pieces, with sick expressions his mind like noodles of no logical path. I want to console him, nurture him, and yet
slap him into life. Yet with me he was open to some extent. Plain and simple, forgetting his shyness to the point of him
laughing and joking about very trivial matters.