I gasped desperately for breath and ran as fast as my legs could carry me, away from the lion. It lunged, and
I ducked, its fang-sharp claws just an inch away from my back. My body left no room for emotion of any sort. I
just ran, and waved my arms frantically in an effort to keep the lion away.
But I was no match for it. The lion made a second lunge, its claws aiming straight at my throat…
CHAPTER 6
I came to and there was, in front of me…
“
FATHER!” Tears welled up in my eyes. It was Father! My cup of happiness overflowed as I fell into his
warm embrace. I could feel his breath, his heart beating. It nearly felt surreal to have him back.
But as swift as it had come it went. His breaths became short, rapid. He coughed and coughed, and his face
turned as pale as the moonlight. It didn’t take me long to realize what was happening. Father, who was once so
strong, collapsed into my arms as blood began to trickle from his mouth down on my tunic.
His lips turned black. “No, Father!” I wailed, desolately. “Don’t..” The word following was too hard to
enunciate. He sputtered his life out and fell senseless to the ground. I ran a finger along his face, only to find it
cold as ice and…his pulse…it had…
EPILOUGE
My dearest son,
I knew all of this would happen. The moment when the King’s men took me away from the house, I knew
we would be separated, not by distance, but by death. Thousands, if not millions of workers have died from
overwork building the Great Wall, and I will soon be one of them.
I escaped from the site to see you one last time. Even though I am gone now, do not lose hope. Do you
recall the story I told you, about the pine tree? You should have understood the meaning of the story, haven’t
you?
Whenever you feel hopeless, remember the story, and that I will be watching, guarding you from heaven.
I love you, my little pine tree.
Father
***