Hong Kong Young Writers Anthologies Fiction Group 3 - 2017 | Page 230

George wanted to find someone to help Lao Wai to clean up his dishes, but then he thought -If he did it himself,
quickly, he would still have enough time to get to his meeting. He took off his suit jacket, rolled up his sleeves and put
a pair of yellow rubber gloves on.
As George was washing the dishes, a neighbour of Lao Wai’s walked past the window and he noticed George.
'Who is this man?' He asked, pointing at George.
'I’m George.' Said George
'He’s finally got a cleaner!' Said the neighbour 'Old penny-saving Lao Wai finally got himself a cleaner to help him do
his dishes! You know, when his son was in school Lao Wai would cut his own hair -Still
does, after 20 years! He even took his wife’s earrings and rings to a pawn shop to earn money! That fool
never got it back.'
After that George was slightly late for his meeting, but now it didn’t seem to matter anymore.
The next time George came to visit his grandfather, he stood up straight, and rarely looked at his phone. He had
replaced with Rolex with a bracelet of wooden beads given to him by Lao Wai.
‘I’m going back to the business, but this time I’m not going to rush everything, i’m going to take it slow.’
He told his grandfather.
They would slowly walk up the temple stairs together, George helping his grandfather with each step. The wind kept
blowing out the incense sticks that George was trying to light in honour of the city gods. He
felt like breaking them in half and leaving, but he didn’t. Lao Wai came to help George and cupped his
hands around the incense to keep the strong wind from blowing out the fire. They planted the incense in the shrine,
and both bowed three times in honour of the three gods that protect the city of Shanghai.
As they walked down the steps George seemed calmer. More peaceful. Free from disturbance.
'How’s Jessica?' Asked Lao Wai 'Actually… ' George answered, bashfully 'Jessica is now Sophia again.'
Lao Wai smiled in confusion and said 'I can't understand why you kids change names so easily.'
A loud alarm beeped from George’s back pocket.
‘Are you going back to work now?’ Lao Wai asked.
‘Yes I am.’ replied George,
But he turned to add: 'At my own pace this time.'