Hong Kong Young Writers Anthologies Fiction 4-7 2019 | Page 19

The Letters' Voyages
Carmel School Association Elsa High School, Gershon, Lily - 15
16th September 1817 Night time,
My dearest Eliza,
How it grieves my heart to have left you and the family this morning as the sun broke dawn. I need not tell you that
since I left, all my thoughts have been with you at Berkshire and your image along with Oliver, Adelaide, Owen, and
baby Henrietta’s fills my mind. Even in my dreams, I never imagined I should find so much love on Earth for you and
the family. How those moments glisten for me when I was close to you and our darling children, with your hand in
mine. Those days flew by the equivalent to the speed of light, but our separation will go by equally so. Lest I forget this
morning as it commenced with the routine choir of birds, aiding us in our waking as you soon attended to Henrietta. I
attended to the children and subsequently finalized my packing preliminary to the forthcoming journey. Emotions that
could only be described as devastation and consternation were fluttering in endless rings in my mind when the children
drew nearer to converse.
“Father, must you leave this instant?” Cried, Oliver.
“I must,” I bravely pronounced whilst raising Oliver, “I’m off for an adventure!”
“An adventure?” An intrigued Adelaide inquired with a smirk on her face.
“Certainly my dear,” I replied as I lowered Oliver, “I’m going on the Ming Treasure Voyage.” I retrieved my briefcases
and unveiled one which would present an object of interest to the children. I comprehended in order for the children
to not fret for I am elsewhere, I must convey to them that I am indeed fine.
“Father, what is this?” Panted Owen as he ran into the room. I paused for a moment and then grinned.
“Gather around children!” I announced animatedly. The children formed a circle centering me. I retrieved a map that
radiated brighter than the sun and twinkled infinite stars that panned across the walls. The children’s eyes grew wider
than the ocean and their minds travelled journeys only their imaginations could reach. Magic pronounced itself in our
cottage and granted our children hope that I shall return home safe once more.
“This map once belonged to the remarkable Ming Dynasty in China as they embarked on seven treasure voyages
initiated by the Yongle Emperor. The grand voyage travelled to coastal territory islands in and around the Indian
Ocean, South China Sea, and beyond one’s imagination.”
“Must you disturb your father whilst he is preparing to leave? Adelaide and Owen Wright, repeatedly I have requested
the two of you to order your reading for the afternoon!” You vocalized marching into the room as simultaneously
quieting down Henrietta’s cries in your arms. I stood and placed the map back into the briefcase as you approached me.
“Augustus, I certainly do not feel comfortable with you embarking on such a dangerous journey, whatever money we
may need, only a fool accepts this opportunity to captain a ship during these circumstances. I advise you not to go.” I
remind you, Eliza, although formidable and threatening, this is a voyage I am to complete for you and the family for I
have vowed to cultivate for you and your offspring. In times that I feel apprehensive, I shall close my eyes and return
home to our glorious moments with the children, for it shall be you to pull me through the danger. Time struck noon
declaring the time to leave had arrived. I cherished those final embraces with the children. I look to you with Henrietta
in your arms. I kiss you both farewell and look in the distance to save an image of my life prior to this change. I step
outside our door and attempt to embrace the novelty of this new chapter.
Eliza, I love you. Three simple words, and yet never uttered or inscribed in ink by me or to another living soul, only to
you. Off I go alone and it’s with a very heavy heart I part from you. Brighten up, remain my one and only treasure, as I
to you. I ask you to please continue to exchange letters with me throughout this journey.
With promises of unchanging love and faithfulness,
Augustus Wright
***
I read Augustus’s letter with the essence of melancholy as I ruminate upon the last fortnight and life without him. I
stand at the window and observe the children playing in the autumnal fields, crunching the leaves with every bounce. I
cogitate upon my last memory of Augustus prior to his departure; he stood by the door with the sun illustrating a
silhouette of him and watching time slow as Augustus closed the door following him. Reminiscing the sound of the
door jolts my body and sets me back into reality.
“Mother?” Inquires Oliver with concern written across his face.
“Yes, dear. Sorry.” I speedily replied.
“I, I, I’ve been here for a while and Henrietta is crying,” quivered Oliver, “is there a concern with father?”