Hong Kong Young Writers Anthologies Fiction Group 2 -1 2019 | Page 16

A New Feeling
Chinese International School, Cheung, Cassandra - 8
Meiling carried the cargo up to the massive ship that she called home. “Come here, Meiling! Can
you help me clean the wheel? I’m too buff and muscular to squeeze between the gap.” The captain of the
ship shouted.
Meiling hastily replied, “Dad, wait a minute, okay? I have to carry these silk scarves up to the
storage room.” She heard her dad grunt in agreement.
“Whoa, my baby sis is standing up on her own two feet defending herself! How nice for her.” This
line was said by Meiling’s older brother Muling, with just a hint of sarcasm on the last line.
Meiling’s family ancestors were famous pirates from the 1300s. This legacy was something her dad
was very proud of. So now where do you think this brought Meiling’s family? Yes, back to the seas, the
place where her ancestors fought countless battles and lost thousands of valuables.
The one difference between Meiling’s family now and her ancestors is that Meiling’s family gave
valuables. Her ancestor stole valuables and fought with enemies from all over the globe, making rivals
wherever they went. I think you can understand that growing up knowing that your family has enemies
waiting to fight you is a pretty harsh living environment.
‘Meiling, hurry up! We need to depart at 11:00 PM sharp.’ Captain Li hurried her up. ‘Remind me
again why we need to leave so late?’ Meiling asked. ‘Because we are pirates. We need to travel unseen.’
Captain Li answered.
Meiling slipped through the narrow gap which led to the steering wheel. ‘Quickly! We leave in 5
minutes.’ Li reminded her.
‘I’m doing it right now, okay? Stop being so impatient!’ Meiling hastily replied. She grabbed the
steering wheel and started wiping it down forcefully. She was done in a few minutes and pushed the cargo
stopping her father from crossing aside. ‘Dad, I’m ready!’
‘I’m ready, too!’ Muling shouted from across the ship.
‘Good, because I’m ready! Let’s go!’ Li bellowed.
They all ran to the ship’s bow and watched as Li grabbed onto the steering wheel and turned it to
the starboard side. Meiling and Muling studied his movements carefully, as they would need to do the same
when they grew up. As the ship moved, the wooden boards creaked under the weight of the cargo and the
strain of actually sailing after a few weeks of being stranded and parked in the same spot near the port.
‘Dad, it’s getting late. We should probably go to sleep.’ Muling stated.
‘Yeah, okay.’ Dad replied.
Meiling turned around, about to walk into the cabin that she shared with Muling. ‘I call dibs on
the bed tonight!’ She said.
‘Hey, no fair! You had it for two weeks already! It’s my turn now.’ Muling called, running after his
sister.
‘Those two! I don’t know what I should do with them……’ Their father muttered, smiling
slightly. Then, he turned around and looked at the water ahead of the ship. Whistling, Captain Li grabbed
the wheel and readied himself for a night on the sea and beneath the twinkling stars.
Next morning, Meiling woke up and rubbed her eyes sleepily. Then, she realised she was sleeping
on the floor! ‘Muling! You sly dog, get back here now!’ She shrieked angrily. All she got in reply was a
chuckle coming from above decks. Groaning, she got up and changed clothes. At last, she trudged upstairs
to see the crew.
‘Hey, sleepyhead! Did you have a good night’s sleep?’ One crew member asked Meiling.
‘What do you think?’ Meiling replied grouchily, pointing at her eye bags and glaring at Muling.
‘Haha! You look like a panda.’ Muling said, bursting with laughter.
‘Pandas are cute and chubby. Kind of like you, just without the cute part.’
‘Well, at least I have a fully grown body, unlike you.’
‘Oh my gosh, please just let us eat breakfast in silence!’ This voice belonged to their father, looking
at them, amused. my gosh, please just let us eat breakfast in silence!’ This voice belonged to their father,
looking at them. Li looked amused because they were arguing about such a small matter.
After breakfast, someone started steering the ship in the direction of Africa. Of course, Meiling did
not know the name of this exotic land. All she knew was that Africa was the home of unique animals and
was filled with all sorts of woven goods. She was very excited because she needed new clothes.