Hong Kong Young Writers Anthologies Fiction Group 3 - 2017 | Page 26

„Yes, ma-am! If you sit at your dressing table, I‘ll give it a try.“ Both girls chuckled as the sun rose higher and higher
above the clouds, like a venomous snake, rising to daunt his enemies.
Violet opened the heavy oak doors and stepped out into the burning rays of the golden sun. It was past mid-day, the
hottest time of the day. She walked along the jammed roads of Shanghai, rushing from shop-window, to
shop-window. Many eyes followed her as she examined the dresses and hats in each petite shop. Her bright, blonde
hair was yearned by many citizens of the thriving town. As she strolled along the sidewalk, she noticed a particularily
extravagant dress; The sanguine, velvet dress was ornamented with a mysterious, vicious golden tiger which stood
not far away frow what seemed like a glittering pearl, waiting to attack.
In the depths of the crowd, an old man was standing, watching the young girl. He knew he had to do it. He had to
do it for his own life. To save his own life. He felt selfish, yet scared. Like the tiger on the dress that stood in the
dwarfish shop, he was purchasable, bribable. Quivering with fear. He walked towards the young girl. His hand shot
out and closed around her mouth, leaving her no escape.
The fullmoon illuminated the sky, sending his mesmorizing rays through the closed window.; a lonely giant
surrounded by glittering lights. Everything felt so familiar. Violet opened her eyes. The frigidness of the hard stone
floor froze the blood in her veins. She wanted to stand up, but she couldn‘t. Broad ropes tied her to a crumbling
chair, every attempt to free her aching hands from the tight grip of the strong ropes failed. She opened her mouth to
scream, but the sound came out muted and supressed. A damp towel covered her mouth, the smell was making her
nauseous. She noticed a piece of paper on the decrepit table beside her:
June 3rd 1931
Da Ping Rd.
Shanghai
Unfortunately, as the import/export of opium is getting
more and more difficult, I shall to inform you that I
have to decline your request for a pay rise.
Additionally, I have come to the conclusion that
In case any of my workers request a pay rise, I shall,
In difficult times like these, fire them immediately.
Regards,
Silas Handoe
Hardoe‘s import/export
Shangha