Hong Kong Young Writers Anthologies Winners 2020 | Page 8

Winning Entries
“But Father, what happens when it’s night?”
“Well Li-Jie, even when the sun is at rest the sky isn’t empty. It is filled with many stars,
each shining down brightly upon you. If ever you are lost, always remember to look up above.”
Following the stars, they travelled through the night, their path leading them south to
Zhongshan. Ravenous after a long night of travel, Li-Wei cast his rod hoping for a quick catch.
Amethyst
“This fish here,” utters Li-Wei, “reminds me of the bike I received from my sister. I
would ride it everywhere. I can still see the look on my father’s face as he attempted to teach
me how to ride it.”
“Did your father ever teach you how to fish?” inquired Li-Jie. Seeing his father nod Li-Jie
then asked, “then may I have a turn now?”
Shaking his head now Li-Wei simply replied, “no Li-Jie, not today.”
Off in the distance, radiant flares illuminated the sky. Drawn to the colours, Li-Wei
and Li-Jie traveled onwards. Once in Macau, they saw the lights reflecting in the sea and
wondered if they could catch a fish as magnificent as the sights.
Gold
Li-Wei grinned as he hauled the glistening fish aboard. After catching his breath he
began, “this fish represents success. It was no easy path to reach,” he said thinking back to a
few moments ago where he was fighting with the fish, “but it was worth it in the end.”
Leaving the stunning lights behind them, they set off to Zhuhai.
White
“Ahh,” sighed Li-Wei, “this fish is just like you. Pure and innocent,” he said as he rubbed
Li-Jie’s head. “I can still recall when you were a baby, a blank canvas waiting for the world to
make its impression. But now, through adventures and experiences, you will grow, and leave
your mark.”
Arriving in Jiangmen, their final destination, they are surrounded by modern buildings of
steel and glass. Suddenly their fishing village where they started out on their journey, seemed
so distant.
Li-Wei looked over to his son, peering over the side of the boat. Nudging him with his
shoulder he passes over the fishing rod. Li-Jie knows he is ready. Like his father, he casts the
rod into the ocean. It isn’t long before he feels tugging. Using all his strength he manages to
heave into the boat a silver fish.
Silver
“This fish,” Li-Jie begins before his father can say anything, “represents the buildings and
machines we have seen on this journey of the Greater Bay Area. This fish represents our future.”
Lost for words Li-Wei embraced his son beaming with pride. They huddled together on
their humble sampan, watching as the glowing sun descended, drawing the last of the light
in. It was then they felt the boat rock. Looking over they were joined by fish of all the colours
they had seen on their journey. The iridescent bellies flashing in and out of sight, swirling and
shimmering together in a pool of wonders. They didn’t know what the future would hold for
them or the village, but they knew to cherish what was in front of them.
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