Hong Kong Young Writers Anthologies Fiction Group 3 - 2017 | Page 77

I am in my bed, without my mother. She is gone. She was my only friend in this crowded mass of
people. I cannot be here anymore. My mother’s memory comes back to haunt my mind. I pack my things and run
out of the ghetto.
I am walking to school when I see Lisa sleeping in a doorway. Soot covers her face and there are scabs on her
arms. I wake her up and take her to my house. My mother doesn’t care because she is now in a faraway world since
my father’s brutal death. I help Lisa get ready but she refuses to come to school because she is afraid of the Japanese.
I let her stay at home for today. I need to do something for my father. The Japanese cannot hold me back forever. I
take my signs and start walking down the street. A few people join me and then I feel a sudden yank on my shirt.
My mother is shaking me “What have you done? I am ashamed of you! You are a disgrace! I forbid you to do
anything of the sort ever again!” she screams. I see Lisa lurking round the corner looking horrified. This same night
my mother took her life. All I remember is the silent noise of her jumping out of the window and a quiet thud as
she hit the ground. I feel claustrophobic, sick in this city, I need to get away…I am taking Lisa to the port. Pulling
and running I see there is a ship leaving to Vietnam. My savings are just enough for two tickets. I get the tickets and
run onto the ship.
What a friend. I am leaving! I cannot believe it! Although grief still suspended in my heart, now that I am free I can
do the things I want to do. I am free!