Old Shanghai
Shanghai Singapore International School , Chin , Serena - 15
" F
IGHT ! FIGHT ! FIGHT !" The crowd cheered as they formed a circle around the two best fighters in their regiment . However , neither moved a muscle as they stared at each other , daring the other to make the first and maybe final move to end the friendly faceoff . Unexpectedly , one of them raised his fist and punched the other in the face , as a few badges fell from his uniform .
He ran straight towards me , yelling “ Hey , Hey , Hey ! You need to leave the village right this moment !” Though , I didn ’ t know what he meant , I looked at him with a frown on my face , waiting for him to explain . He then anxiously explained that he found some odds in the hills . It was some unusual badges , but nothing really special . Though , he emphasized that it ’ s not the special features of the badges , but whom it belonged too . He claimed that he recognized the badges , as they were similar to the ones he saw during his military training . He believed that those badges belonged to a high Japanese general . He then further explained , that those badges were probably dropped there by accident when the high general passed by , and he isn ’ t far . He then further exclaimed that the Japanese army is nearby , and would attack the village anytime sooner or later . Not only he was trying to leave , he was also persuading the rest to leave with him , telling others that is isn ’ t safe anymore .
However , barely anyone believed that the Japanese would attack in the village . Neither did my parents and me . Thus , we stayed while a few cowardly families ran . Overtime , there were rumors that the Japanese soldiers would attack the village . As the rumors spread , more people believed . More families started to pack their belongings and leave , believing that the Japanese would really attack , and ran when they had a chance too . While others that still didn ’ t believe in the rumors , stayed . As days passed , the rumors sounded more and more reliable as more people left the village . In spite of those rumors , my family didn ’ t believe it , and stayed .
Until , one day , my brother came back from his morning exercise in the hills . He ran back into the house , full of sweat , in shock . He opened his mouth , ready to blurt out what he saw , but he stopped and didn ’ t . He then walked close to us , and whispered . Stating that he saw soldiers from the other side , walking into the direction of the village . We started panicking , and hurriedly packed our items in fright . Once we were all packed up , we scurried to the entrance of the village , as it was the only way in and out of the village . Though , it was too late . By the time we were at the entrance , we could see the soldiers . And we were quite sure if that we could see the soldiers from where we were , they would be able to see us if we continued to walk out .
We ran back in . We were bewildered , and had absolutely no idea what to do . We hid back into the house , thinking of coming out with plans . My brother suggested to leave the village at night , though it was impossible . They would be on duty , and patrolling around the entrance ; there wouldn ’ t be any chance we could slip off . Therefore , the only way was to stay inside the village . We knew we would get caught one day , but it was the only way . We planned to stay in the village , and hide . We believed we knew the village well enough , and were familiar about the alleys in the village . And were sure that our knowledge of the village would prove to be an advantage in avoiding the soldiers nearby .
The first few days the soldiers were in the city , they loafed . They practically did nothing other than finding the best house in the village . The longer they were here , the more we planned . We decided to take shifts , watch every single movement they take . See what they were doing , and what are they up to .
Till one day , they started walking around the village . They divided into a few groups , and each group had a leader with a notepad in his hand . They were jotting down stuff as they walked . At that time , I was on the shift , and was supposed to see what they were doing . Though , I didn ’ t quite understand what they were doing . I went back home , and told my parents . They weren ’ t sure at first too , but then , they thought , “ Could it be a map they ’ re trying to draw out ?” my father suggested . Then , my mother continued with a surprised voice , “ It is very much possible !”