Hong Kong Young Writers Anthologies Fiction Group 3 - 2017 | Page 444

“True, but why blush when your grandmother talks about the kidnappings? She must have done or know of something. I
must gather more research on this wall and your family. Also, I want to hear it from you. I’ve got a feeling this could be
important. I’ll interview the victims’ families in the afternoon.”
Eton and Sandra were both thoroughly exhausted by the end of the day. As they finally reached their hotel, Sandra’s phone
rang. “Yes, I’m Miss Sandra Lin…” she paled. Her voice was strained as she replied, “Thank you for informing me.” Then, she cut
the line. When she looked up into Eton’s concerned gaze, her eyes were brimmed with tears. “There’s been a new kidnapping.
Mei is gone!”
“I’m only doing this for free for you, because you’re my assistant.” Eton grumbled as he inspected every inch of dust. They
were searching around the old city wall. Eton concentrated on a stone block. It had a deep line scratched on it. As his gaze
travelled slowly upward, he found that there were similar etchings on the stone bricks going up the wall. He let his fingers run
up the wall to the topmost mark, at his height and found a loose block. Quickly, he called for Sandra. Together they managed to
pry the slab of stone out of its clever hiding place. “Mrs. Lin’s ancestor meant ‘up’— ‘ the direction fewest people look .’ ” he
murmured. He reached his hand in and felt a lever, which he pulled. With a creak, a square of blocks slid open. Safely inside were
seven small figures, curled up and asleep next to a lamp.
“What?” Sandra exclaimed as she took in what she saw. The six missing children looked fully fed and their cheeks were
flushed with warmth as they curled up in their sleeping bags. In a corner, Mei stirred at the noise, and then looked groggily at
her aunt. She started to explain, “I…”
“What were you all thinking of? Are you crazy? What will all the parents say?” Sandra couldn’t stop the tide of worries
bursting forth.
“But Auntie, I can explain…”
“No buts. Everyone is worried about you. We knew about this ON THE OTHER SIDE OF THE WORLD!!!”Sandra
paused, catching her breath. The others were starting to wake from the commotion. Mei took this as an opportunity to explain.
“I met all of these children when Dad was having this meeting with the construction company. We didn’t really want the
remaining bit of the city wall to be demolished. We all agreed to do this; otherwise, how would Dad and the others listen? So we
faked the notes and one by one I took them here. I did take food and water to them, I assure you.”
Sandra opened her mouth, and then closed it again like a fish.
Eton shook his head. He had never seen Sandra so angry. “What’s done is done. All we can do is to help them. Surely you
don’t want this place to be wrecked?”
That night, the children were all sleeping safely in their own homes. Eton wrote a letter to the government to turn it into
a museum. And as you know, this part of the wall has survived to the present.