Preparatory School Writer's Festival 2019 | Page 28

Guildford Grammar Preparatory School
Writing Festival
2019
The Sand by Belinda Yuen (continued)
“What’s wrong Mama?” I grab a tissue and wipe her tears away
from her face.
“This… I can’t explain. Claire, Chris…?” Mama falters.
Dinner was delicious! I stuffed myself with roast beef and
vegetables, such as potatoes, carrots and pumpkins. I dollop lots
of mash potato onto my plate and add lots of gravy.
“It’s… you found it!” Auntie Claire gasps. For dessert, there was lime jelly with whipped cream and
sprinkles, and also ice-cream with chocolate syrup and chocolate
sprinkles. There was another choice of apple pie and cream with
ice-cream, but the best choice was brownies with a chocolate
glazing, topped with sprinkles. On the side of the dish was
mango, watermelon and kiwi, with a small bunch of grapes.
Mama shakes her head and says, “My dear Luna found it. Where
did you find it, Lu?” She stares directly into my eyes. I ate my share and licked my plate clean. I sat patiently, waiting
for the others to finish.
“On the beach… the shore…” I answer. Soon, the other children had finished too, moaning, “Oh, I think
my stomach’s going to burst!” and “I can’t move, I am so full!”
Auntie Claire and Uncle Chris look up and stumble to Mama.
“Yes, Marie?” Uncle Chris questions.
“Look…” She holds the spoon out to her siblings.
“Oh Lu, thank you!” Mama embraces me tightly.
My mind clouds with thoughts and ideas.
“Let’s have dinner! I’ve cooked roast beef!” Auntie Claire
exclaims.
All the children’s heads have perked up and they have clambered
to their feet and make their way to the bathroom to wash their
filthy hands.
I went to wash my hands in the kitchen and expected to be
the first one at the table. But, when I turned around, all eight
children are seated at the large dining table.
I giggle and sit up instantly.
“Can we play now?” I question the adults.
“I’m afraid that the rest of the kids are stuffed to the bone!”
Uncle Chris chuckles.
“Okay,” I say wistfully.
“So, instead, let’s enjoy this lovely time together with a story!”
Grandma Joanna exclaims, wheeling herself in her wheelchair,
forward a bit to be seen.
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All the parents’ eyes light up but the children groan.
“Right now, Gran?” Mae complains. However, her eyes are filled
with excitement. Mae pauses and adds, “Can you tell the story
about the spoons? Luna found Auntie Marie’s spoon, and I have
no idea what it’s about.”
Mama looks up from her plate. Her eyes full of mystery, meaning
that it was interesting.
“So, dears, get yourselves comfy,” Grandma Joanna trills.
“Darling Chris and sweetie Claire? I will need you here to help
me because an old woman like me has a goldfish’s memory.”
Auntie Claire and Uncle Chris come up and Grandma Joanna
begins, “Hand me your spoons, dearests.” The spoons are put
in Grandma Joanna’s wrinkly hand. “Let us begin, all the way
back.”
I close my eyes and wait for my imagination to overtake and fill
me.