Hong Kong Young Writers Anthologies Fiction Group 3 - 2017 | Page 191

The serpent rose above me, engulfing me with its mightiness. It spoke in a hissing noise “Don’t come back here
tomorrow” The serpent hissed again and then was gone. I stood still and then frantically looked around the dead
dark harbor but could see nothing. I ran as fast as I could all the way home.
The next day at work I was working harder than I have ever done before to take my mind off the events from the
night before but I could not stop thinking about it. I was in a daze all day but luckily got let out early and used
another route to my house away from The Bund. It was the afternoon and I ignored the beautiful sunset filled with
pale pinks, oranges and amazing reds. I returned to an empty house and fell asleep from the exhaustion of the last
two days.
A few hours later my parents came in screaming and asking if I was okay. I was very confused. They told me that
there were several murders on the street of the Bund where I usually walk home. I was in shock! Had the serpent
protected me? Why? Why me? I had so many questions: how did the serpent know, how did I speak to the serpent
and why would the serpent protect me?
I walked home the next, this time purposely the same route on the bund. I wanted to see the serpent. I felt less
scared, more curious. I saw the same gleaming red eyes and emerald scales rise up and although I was still shaking, I
wanted to stay and ask questions. I looked him right in the eyes with false bravery. Before I could muster up the
courage to speak, the serpent looked right at me and hissed “ You were born in the year of the snake and I am here
to protect you and give you longevity and great fortune” Then it disappeared again as quickly as before.
My dear grandson, I imagine that you are reading this and not believing a word of it and I would not blame you.
You may also be wondering why I am telling you this story. Well, my dear, I am now 99 years of age and as you
know I have had great health and fortune in my life. I know my dear grandson that you were also born in the Year
of the Snake in 2001. Perhaps one day when you visit Shanghai you will be curious enough to take walk along the
Bund at night and you too will see the Red Eyed Serpent. Or perhaps not and then you will never know…
With all my love
YeYe