Hong Kong Young Writers Anthologies Fiction Group 3 - 2017 | Page 519

The Old City of Shanghai Ying Wa College, Cheng, Vincent - 13 T hree teenagers were walking on a street of the old city of Shanghai. Their names were Lin An, Chan Tian and Yang Zhao. “We should find some time to go to the temple.” Chan Tian said, “For my father, you know.” “I thought that we are going to the graveyard.” Lin An replied. “It has been ten years since my father passed away; maybe we should be more respectful this time.” Tian answered. “That’s fine, since me and Lin An will have to go to the temple to pray for our ancestors as well.” Yang Zhao said. “I prefer only going to the graveyard,” An said in a subdued voice, “It’s not really necessary –” “Anyway, are you two free on Friday afternoon?” Tian asked as the other two nodded, “Let’s meet there at 2.” “See you there!” Zhao said. Three of them separated, when An looked back, he saw Tian clench his fists as he left. Time passed quickly and Friday came. The city inside the walls was filled with people. “Tian!” Zhao said, catching his attention. “Hey, where’s An?” Tian questioned. They looked around but there was no sign of him. “Never mind, he’ll come soon.” Zhao said. “He said that he wanted to go to the graveyard first.” The temple they went to was called ‘The City God Temple’. The temple was enormous. It was wide, but its great height made it seemed narrow. They walked into it, ready to pray the gods for keeping their ancestors’ bodies safe. Smoke was everywhere and it made walking difficult. Despite this, they were able to walk through the crowd and stood in front of a statue. They bowed. “Excuse me,” Tian said suddenly, “I think I need to use the bathroom.” “I’ll just wait here.” Zhao replied. Tian left the temple swiftly, leaving Zhao with a bad feeling. Half an hour had passed and neither Tian nor An came. Zhao thought, “perhaps I should go to find An in case he has come.” However, it seemed that An wasn’t in the temple. “Ah! Fire!” A person shouted. The enormous temple was suddenly covered with flame. The fire began to creep into each room and the people panicked whenever they came. Everywhere was black smoke and people around started coughing. The whole place became chaotic instantly. Without thinking, Zhao turned around and ran. However the door was burning and there was no way out of the temple.