Hong Kong Young Writers Anthologies Fiction 4-7 2019 | Page 73

25 August 1405
Dear Xin,
Before embarking on this journey to the unknown I was nervous, but being here has made me feel more alive than I
have felt in a long time. Although the work is very challenging, the routine keeps me focused and strong. I finally feel
like I have a purpose. All I worry is that when I come back you will have forgotten how it feels to be together and that
our love will be lost far out at sea. Every part of me wishes to be reunited with you but I must continue to work hard to
earn money for a happier future for us.
The day starts early at the crack of dawn as we set sail on a new and different adventure. I cannot wait to tell you all
about my experiences. I have never seen so much beauty before Xin, I just wish you could be here to witness these
sights with me. We’ve come across many new lands and discovered different cultures and people, all with their own
unique traditions, some of which I find very strange, whilst others bring me immense joy and comfort. We’ve
encountered an extraordinary settlement on the coast of India where they indulged us with delectable foods and small
trinkets in exchange for gold we gifted to their leader. I remember the rich smells of spices and the mouth watering
aromas of curry drifting around the air. The night was filled with drinking and dancing along to the loud music and
cheerful faces and laughing carried along by the evening breeze. I almost forgot about all my concerns about you Xin.
Almost.
18 September 1405
Dear Xin,
I am missing you more than ever. I almost lost my life last night and I was scared I would never make it back to you.
We are alive, but barely. Something terrible happened.
A storm.
I awoke to the violent rocking of the boat. The rain battered down on the windows of the sleeping quarters as the men
around me were slowly stirring. Each raindrop hit with such force it felt as if the windows would shatter. I could feel
the ship trembling. I could smell the pungent zing in my nostrils. I could hear the wind howling. It was coming for us.
I looked out the window above my bed to witness the mountain of water towering over us. My heart was pounding
rapidly as I ran upstairs to find many men scrambling to secure the ship as much as possible. The wind was no longer
howling up here. It was shrieking. The rain was no longer just falling. It had a purpose. Hail was cascading down and
clattering onto the floor like knives. I glanced at the few stars, isolated from each other by the deadly clouds bringing
forth this remarkable monster of a storm until they disappeared completely from sight.
We tried our best to do the impossible job of protecting ourselves but it was hopeless. The sky was darkening and
ominous dark clouds gathered overhead, moving swiftly, covering the moon, leaving us alone in the dark. The waves
grew larger, angrier. They battered us from all sides and nothing could be done. I could see the smaller ships in our fleet
sinking in the distance and I prayed we wouldn’t have the same fate. Smashed glass pieces that were once beautiful
trinkets and treasures were lying on the floor like a thousand tiny daggers, the lightning violently reflecting off them.