Hong Kong Young Writers Anthologies Fiction 4-7 2019 | Page 293

Perhaps
St. Mary's Canossian College, Ma, Gianna - 16
Perhaps if time was rewinded, it would have happened differently.
Staring at the vast majesty of the ocean, I reflected a lot. I regretted the foolish, sentimental decisions made.
Perhaps challenges would breed clarity. Perhaps I could gain his forgiveness.
Perhaps.
Days of drifting on the sea, navigating through strong winds and creating the waves les us to the Pier of
ZhànChéng, where we docked. Our grand entrance sparked the attention of many, some of whom were
familiar with us. After all, it was our sixth visit here.
We eventually arrived at Rastoke, a municipality renowned for its phenomenal scenery. The marvel of the
Korana River was reminiscent of the past.
It was mid autumn.
He sat by the water, staring into his still, moonlit reflection. I held with both my fidgeting hands a lantern in
the shape of a carambola, apprehension surging my mind. After moments of pacing and hyperventilating, I
finally decided to tap on his shoulder - very lightly, at that.
“Good day - I meant good evening, Your Majesty. I had learnt how to make a lantern yesterday from my
master’s wife, and she taught me how to do so. But my hands are the least of delicate, and so this is what I
made. Despite its poor condition, I hope my incompetent self had made something to your liking. It is
understandable that you would want it thrown away. I’m utterly sorry that I speak too much. I-”
Just then, amidst the plethora of deriding sniggers, an eruption of the crescendoing light, hearty chuckles
jolted me from my train of thought, cutting my unnecessary rambling.
I would never forget how he thrusted up with vigor, beaming at me radiantly while carrying the lantern.
“Thank you. I appreciate your beautiful lantern. You certainly have put a lot of effort into it! You never fail
to surprise me with your diligence,” he said, placing his hands on mine, the apples of his cheeks brimming
with glee.
Watching him scrutinise my ordinary - no, it was not even good enough to be called “ordinary” -
creation, curiosity glimmering through dazzling irises, gaiety and merriment warmed my heart.
“My Lord, the ministers are here to see you,”
“Right. Let’s go.”
Having been invited to one of the palaces, my crewmen and I inspected our goods once more before
presenting them to the ruler of ZhànChéng. He donned a simple, cordial smile, and even told us to
disregard the formalities to have a casual banter with him. So we did.
As the sky was enshrouded by a veil of night. we realised it was time to set sail again. It was only one of our
myriad of destinations, after all. Prior to leaving ZhànChéng, I spoke to the ruler in private.
I exhibited to him a jade pendant, adorned by shrieks of mineral black and white along the sides, and
accentuated with red tasseles underneath it.
“Please give this to him, if he were ever here,” I implored with soft pronunciation.