Hong Kong Young Writers Anthologies Fiction 4-7 2019 | Page 79

EMERGENCY… EMERGENCY… EMERGENCY …
PIRATES SPOTTED NORTHEAST OF SHIP. PREPARE WEAPONS AND SECURE THE DECK.
CALLING ALL SAILORS, SOLDIERS AND OFFICERS.
Dearest Anna,
There is going to be a war. By the time you receive this letter, I will be fighting with the other soldiers, and
you will be safe and sound, as the rescue ship will come for the crew. I know this is very sudden, but bear with me -
you need to understand. And I need to tell you now, just in case I don’t make it.
This voyage had a purpose. To all you young, naive souls out there, it was not just to explore what was
beyond our home. It was to display power to the kingdoms and trade ports nestled in the Indian Ocean. It was to show
Chinese might to their world. And for me, and all the other officials, it was to take pride in our country.
I know you find our cultural identity is confusing. It has faults that anger you and force you to reject it, just
like every other culture. Who wants to be proud of a culture that shuts down women yet raise up men? But Anna, I’m
telling you, to just accept your identity. You are who you are, and no one can change that. You are born Chinese, and
you will always be one, a child of the powerful nation that sailed the Indian Ocean.
I have snuck two items from the gift room for you to keep as a reminder of your first travels outside of the
village. Use the gold as a light in the darkness, and to never dull your flame. Use the silk as a shield of protection and
strength, and to never be afraid even when times are rough. And use the notes and letters I’ve collected just so you can
share your story with our child, their children, and the next generation.
Remember, my dear. Remember that you have the power to inspire and to change not just yourself but the
unjust things you see in your life. Use your heart, soul and mind to do what you love and love what you do. And I
pray, I pray so hard, that you will find a heart that will open up to yours and adore you for who you are, and arms that
hold you with love so deep it reaches infinity. I pray that you will find a mind that will help you dodge the obstacles in
life, and eyes full of warmth and the feeling that you belong. But most of all, I pray for you, that you will be happy
forever and ever, for you are your own person, and the most incredible person at that.
I love you, Anna.
With all the love that possibly exists in our universe,
Kaiser
September 17, 1405
The girl closed the letter as a tear rolled down her cheek. She couldn’t help but wonder what happened
afterward. Did Kaiser survive the war? Did he reunite with Anna to raise the child that would begin their generation?
Did they live the happy ending that they yearned so much for?
She took a deep breath.