New Tales of Old Shanghai
HKUGA College , Tse , Hiu Yan Jodie – 14
T he earth was covered with a thick pile of snow . The horse trotted silently down the road .
Thud . Thud . Thud . I was counting the number of steps the horse walked when mum said , “ Lucy , we ’ ve arrived .”
I poked my head out of the car . The city had decided to welcome me with a veil covering her , emitting a mysterious and elegant aura . From far away , children chased each other around ; merchants boarded on and off ships ; families waved goodbye to their children who set sail to far-away continents to study . The outlines of short buildings could be seen , with a warm glow radiating from inside . That was my first sight of Old Shanghai .
“ Mum , are we living here ?” I asked , a hint of enthusiasm in my tone .
“ Yes , we are . You like it here ?” Mum asked , smoothing my hair .
I smiled .
The car slowed down to a stop . I looked out . In front of me was a red brick house , decorated by two grey stone lions at the sides of the door . I got off the car and took my little backpack from the car . Mum pushed open the grey , heavy door as it answered us with a squeak . My eyes widened as I looked inside . The room was a football pitch , with the closet at the end of the room as the goal and the mattress at the centre of the room as the centre circle . The football was high up in the air , lighting up the pitch when mum flicked on the switch . At the right hand side was the referee table with four wooden chairs and a tiny stool besides them . I quickly sat on the stool .
Mum smiled as I ran around the room in circles , singing at the top of my lungs .
“ Lucy , would you like to go outside and play for a while ? I have to sort some things out ,” Mum spoke softly .
I hesitated for a while , then wrapped both arms around mum ’ s leg , not letting go .
“ Come on , go out and make some new friends . Don ’ t go too far though , and be careful ,” Mum kissed my forehead .
I skipped out of the house , following the fragrance of freshly-cooked cakes coming out from the market . Steam formed inside the container in which the sponge cakes were held . The moist , white cakes were so appealing that I took one in my filthy little hands and had a bite .
“ Hey young girl , you haven ’ t paid yet !” a voice screeched .
I looked up , puzzled .
“ This costs two dollars , little girl ,” the voice was alarmingly gentle .
The concept of money was never introduced into my young mind . I looked up at the lady . She had wrinkles on her forehead and two large pouches under her eyes . Tears were already starting to form in my eyes .
lady .
“ I ’ m sorry . She ’ s my friend . Here it is ,” said a girl beside me , handing a piece of crumpled paper to the old
“ Thank you ,” I whispered , rubbing away my tears .
“ It ’ s okay . What ’ s your name ?” the girl asked .