Hong Kong Young Writers Anthologies Fiction Group 2 -1 2019 | Page 53

huge, tattooed man standing silently in front of us. Unexpectedly he starts gesturing with his hands without
a single word and as he does so, amazingly I can see that Xiaoling understands. They continue to
communicate while an old lady comes out of the shadows and joins them and it is like the three of them are
in their own world. Xiaoling turns to face me and explains that all the people who have ruled this island are
from the same family and are deaf and mute. Xiaoling explains to the chief and his mother that the ship has
come in peace from China bearing gifts. The chief believes her because of her magic hands through which
he can see her pure heart. After the conversation, the chief takes us outside to tell the captain that he will
release him and his crew if he will learn to treat everyone as equals, including poor people like me and deaf
and mute people like Xiaoling. The chief adds, “We don’t treasure riches but we treasure a good heart.”
The captain agrees that Xiaoling and I will be treated equally from this moment onwards. With that,
everyone is released and a big feast is held until the early hours of the morning. The following day, we leave
laden with fresh fruits, vegetables and all sorts of natural things. However, as we get into the rowing boats, I
notice that my friend is not next to me. I see Xiaoling holding the hands of the chief and smiling. I realise
that she has found the perfect home.
Deep in my heart I know I will return on a future voyage and see her again.