Hong Kong Young Writers Anthologies Fiction 4567 | Page 38

Clutching the pair of shoes to her chest, Ke Rou uttered in a trembling voice," Granny, I promise I shall stay for my family
and my nation."
As she exited from the hospital, she was wrapped into a hug. "I'm sorry for your grandma," said Nathan.
"There's something important I have to tell you. The Japanese are going to invade Shanghai. I've been ordered to retreat. I
could bring you along and leave this country."
At last, her wish was granted, but her granny's last words rang in her mind. Using every ounce of the energy left in her, she
resisted the temptation and replied, "No, I’m staying."
" Don't be foolish! You've always wanted this. “said Nathan, grasping her shoulders tightly.
"I promised my granny that I would stay to fulfill my duty." She looked up at the soldier with defiance engraved on her
face.
"But….," said the soldier through clenched teeth.
noticing that they were turning red.
As Ke Rou gazed up into those sapphire eyes, she couldn't help
"I'm sorry," she swallowed. She hugged him tightly as she felt the soldier's body shaking and tears sliding down her cheeks.
"Stay safe," said the soldier in a broken voice. Couldn't bear it any longer, the girl broke the embrace and ran home.
Tired and heartbroken, Ke Rou laid on her bed and fell into a deep sleep.
The deafening sound of airplanes woke Ke Rou. Startled, she got to her feet. Suddenly, there was an ear-splitting noise,
shattering the windows, shaking the grounds, causing Ke Rou to fall to her feet. When debris stopped raining down, Ke
Rou grasped the pair of straw shoes lying beside her and ran for the shelter. As she ran, screams and wails filled her ears.
Adrenaline gushed through her veins. Then, amidst the messy crowds, she saw the entrance of the shelter. She picked up
her pace. Alas, she tripped. Just as she was trying to get up, a bayonet was already at her throat. Realization struck her.
"The girl from the mirror, that's me!” thought Ke Rou.
She closed her eyes not daring to take a glimpse into the future, nor to learn of her fate. Suddenly, beams of light shot out
from the slippers, enclosing her in a world of warmth and light, shielding her away from the cold blades of bayonet and the
thundering sounds of exploding bombs.
"So warm, so soothing," thought Ke Rou, "I can finally take a rest."
"Jie," Kai Rou's voice broke the silence.
Ke Rou rubbed her eyes and found herself sitting in the weaving shop.
"What happened? Where am I?" croaked Ke Rou.
"You slipped while chasing the thief. Po Po and I, took you back to the store."
"Now you understand why I stayed," said the shopkeeper. Suddenly, the ringing of the shops' telephone cleared her fuzzy
memory. Scenes from her travels flashed in front of her eyes.
"Nathan! Where's he?" said Ke Rou frantically.