Hong Kong Young Writers Anthologies Fiction Group 3 - 2017 | Page 45

The Reverse Legend in Shanghai
Carmel School, Apelbaum, Abigail – 9
H
i, my name is Ellie. I will tell you my life changing story. It all started on the day of my birthday. Dad and I
were on our way to Shanghai. I jumped out of bed with excitement. We hopped in our car and Dad drove
to Heathrow Airport. We hurried on to the plane. The flight was 11 hours and 15 minutes. I slept the whole
flight, but my dad was watching movies, so time went by fast for dad and I.
“Yay! We finally arrived in Shanghai!” Said dad. Forgot to mention, 10 years ago my dad was lonely so he decided
to adopt me, we are very happy together.We first very excitedly went to have dinner. We had dinner at Lost
Heaven. The food was scrumptious. After that we went to the hotel. The hotel was called Elegant Bund Hotel on
138 Guangdong Road. The hotel did not serve breakfast, that means we have to go out in the morning. In our
room, there was a….. WINDOW! That does not normally happen in Shanghai due to crowded spaces.
We went to bed immediately because it was late and we were tired from our journey. The next day we stayed in
the hotel. Dad wanted to tell me a legend. “Let's start. But just remember you have to trust me.” said Dad ”Ok”
Ellie said.“There were two snakes, one white and one green. They were enchanted slithery snakes that transform
into humans, but only on full moons” Dad explained. When they transformed, they turned into beautiful girls with
long brown hair; they smell like roses. They wore beautiful long dresses with silver stripes and gol den dots.”
“The girls/snakes names were Bai Su Zheng and Xiao Qing.” “You can not imagine how pretty they are...” dad
said cheerfully. Dad asked Ellie how she felt so far about this legend? Ellie said while shaking her head, “It sounds
interesting but sorry I don't believe this legend.” “Story continues…” Dad said ”Anyways, that night Bai Su Zheng
and Xiao Qing were walking in the fields and they met a nice guy named Xu Xian. They chatted pleasantly. Xu
Xian didn't know that Bai Su Zheng and Xiao Qing were snakes. Xu Xian really liked Bai Su Zheng because she
was cute and beautiful.
Dad said. “Let's go to lunch now Ellie!” “NO!! please continue the story pleeeease pleeeease!!!” Cried Ellie “Fine,
fine...” Dad continued… what happened next was Xu Xian didn't just like Bai Su Xian, he fell in love with her.
They decided they will meet each other the following night during full moon.They met up in Yuyuan Garden.
YuYuan Garden was built in 1559 and in the 19th century the first opium war damaged this garden but it was
restored recently. It was a place where local people went for a quiet stroll in the park or a lovely place to enjoy time
with family.
“Let's continue... and they met up. She was looking very pretty. Bai su Xian said “ I might sort of like you” He
answered shyly, “me to.” The next night they went out for dinner together and had a wonderful time chatting.
“Oh no!” Bai Su Xian thinking aloud to herself. “I just remembered Xu Xian doesn't know I can turn into a
snake!” I wonder what Xu Xian will feel when I tell him about me!”One day, Xu Xian went for a walk in the
park, it was raining and a little stormy but Xu Xian went anyways, all he saw were 2 snakes slithering up the tree.
Dad said. And that's all I know.
I'm old enough to know this isn't true. I am 11. “Believe me, you never know sometime reverse might happen.”
“Do you believe me now?” “ No!” Ellie said with doubt. That night before bed, there were noises outside, so she
looked out the window. It was near midnight, who would be awake at this time of night? She looked outside,
there were two boys having fun playing in the playground. One of them looked my age and the other looked
around 8 or 9 years old.
Ellie really liked the boy because he was cute sweet and handsome the boy saw her and waved Ellie's dad woke up.
He said go to bed so she waved to the boy, and went back to bed. She kept seeing him for the past 2 weeks. And
every night he would wear the same clothes, grey pants and a labradoodle shirt. I'm guessing that's his pajamas.
Two weeks later
Ellie looked outside of the window to see if the boys were there and wearing the same clothes as always. It was
raining, grey and stormy. Ellie looked anyway and she didn't see anything. All she saw were 2 snakes climbing on