New Tales of the Great Wall
Justin Lau, G
erhaps you may have visited the Great Wall of China. Isn’t it a marvelous sight to behold?
You would think that tourists would take pictures, climb the Wall’s tiring steps and have a fun
time. Who would expect three children losing their way in the night? These three little
troublemakers were in for a spectacular New Year’s surprise……
roup 2: Fiction, Diocesan Boys' School Primary Division
“
This is the most awesome fortress I have ever seen!” exclaimed little Timmy. “Maybe
that’s why they put “great” in the name of the Wall……”
P
Timmy and his brothers, Fred and George were visiting the Great Wall of China with their parents
during their Christmas holidays. They were having a wonderful time.
“
Boys, can you wait here while Mum and I ask for some directions? It’s very easy to get lost here,
the Wall extends 5,500 miles!” Dad told the boys. He was very excited.
“
Hey! Look! It’s the watchtower and barracks! Let’s go and have a peek!” Fred said curiously
after Mum and Dad left.
“
But we’re not supposed to leave here!” complained Timmy, who was the most serious of them all.
However, George tagged him along. They went up the watchtower and enjoyed the view.
“
Look! I spot the Silk Road!” proclaimed George. They were gazing at the Silk Road, when
George found something again – a locked door labeled “RESTRICTED : AUTHORIZED
PERSONNEL ONLY”. Fred easily picked the lock, seeing that there was nobody around. They
looked inside and found many boxes of rocket-like objects. They carried the boxed up the tower and
examined them closely. “I wonder what they are. Maybe we can light them later,” said Timmy, staring
at the string attached to the rocket.
Then, the three little devils went to the barracks to see the ancient Chinese Qin Dynasty weaponry.
They had a great time. They even played hide-and-seek, despite the security guard’s constant warnings.
Next, they played catch, sprinting around the Wall. They played until they were so tired they lay
unmoving on the ground, catching their breath. They didn’t give Mum and Dad a thought. In fact,
Mum and Dad were searching for them and were petrified.
It was long after the sun had set when the three boys thought that their parents must have been
frantically looking for them. Therefore, they looked and looked, but they couldn’t find Mum and Dad.
They gave up and remembering the rockets, they went back up the watchtower. George struck a match
and lit the rockets……
Bam! Bam! All the rockets flew up high into the sky and exploded in balls of fireworks!
“
Oh, yes! I almost forgot!” shouted Fred under the sound of the fireworks. “Tonight is New
Year’s Eve! These must be the New Year fireworks!” The boys heard a voice and saw that Mum and
Dad were rushing towards them with some policemen. They embraced and Mum said, ”Happy New
Year’s Eve! We’ve been so worried……”
They went home thinking that this was the most eventful New Year’s Eve ever!
***