New Tales of the Great Wall
Jacky Yu, Gr
ommy is eleven years old. He is a primary six student. He lost his left leg because of the traffic accident
a year ago. He became sorrowful that he did not want to communicate with anyone. His parents felt
worried so that they told this to his Grandpa in the USA.
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oup 2: Fiction, CCC But San Primary School
One day, his Grandpa flew to Hong Kong to visit him. ‘I know you are sad. It is difficult for you to
pt the truth. But all of us concern about you. I will bring you to a place where you can learn a
lesson, ‘Grandpa said with confidence.
T
They arrived at Beijing. Grandpa hired a car that took them to the Great Wall. His parents helped to push
Tommy’s wheelchair. They saw a gigantic wall with a lot of towers. It winded up and down across mountains.
They could not see the end of the wall. It was magnificent.
‘
Do you know how the Great Wall be built? It was built more than 2000 years ago. Ancient people used
very old tools to build it. They did not have technology to help them,’ said Grandpa.
‘
How could they do that? It is impossible for them moving so many bricks and tools by manpower to this
remote area. Uh…? ‘said Tommy doubtfully.
‘
Yes, it seems impossible to do that. But they really succeeded,’ replied Grandpa firmly.
‘
Hmm…’ said Tommy.
‘
There is a tale about how the workers build the Great Wall. Do you want to know?’ asked Grandpa.
‘
Yes,’ answered Tommy.
‘
Long time ago in a village, there lived a group of people .Their village always attacked by barbarians. They
decided to build the wall around the village. But the wall was very difficult to build. They worked hard but the
worst thing happened every morning. The wall fell down unreasonably. They felt puzzled so that they went to
ask the wise man in the village.
‘
It is a fairy of the mountain. He disliked you building the wall on the mountain. To solve the problem, you
should mix the cement with a drop of blood from all of you. It can comfort the fairy,’ said the wise man
thoughtfully.
‘
The villagers poured their blood and sweat to build the wall,’ said Grandpa. ‘It is not an easy job, Tommy.
But they never gave up. It is absolutely wonderful wall!’ Grandpa looked at Tommy kindly.
A tear rolled down Tommy’s face.
‘
I am sorry, Grandpa,’ Tommy continued. ‘I know you all worried about me. I really feel depressed after the
accident happens. It is my fault to make you sad. I should not give up myself. I will not make you feel
disappointed again.’
‘
We should live bravely, Tommy!’ said Dad and Mum and they nodded their heads. They smiled and hugged
tightly together.
A year passed, Tommy is a hard-working student now. He obtains the most outstanding student in his
school.
***