I continued: “It’s different for everyone. I think history will help us in our own future. Think about all
the foundations. We couldn’t have accomplished the future without the past.”
“
You sound like Mrs. Xian. She's like a rat. Sitting with a bunch of old rotting books, wasting her
stupid useless life.”
I couldn’t even reply. Apparently, Grey had classes with Mrs. Xian too. She was a great historian and
the only one in town too. She was elderly and couldn’t talk much. Another problem that held back our interest in
history.
But she was a great teacher --magnificent and warm-hearted. My eyes were glued to Grey's lips,
offending and complaining. I froze. I didn’t want to hear anymore. I wanted him to stop.
“
She's incredibly dim in the head. I mean, she eats honey with cheese. Who would? She's a crazy old
stupid-”
“
SHUT UP!”
I felt cold and unmovable. But my lips had just enough power for two words. I shot them out, not
wanting to face Grey's shocked expression.
In the end, I brought my eyes to his level. He scowled. I hated everything in his face. Everything on his
inside too.
“
How dare you?!” he awoke.
Iris didn’t know whose side to take. The room was still lit amber and the drive was long.
Grey yelled, “How dare you?! You’re a little stupid brat! I come from a wealthy family, I have big
status! I repeat, how dare you!?”
“
Don’t talk of people like that. Especially Mrs. Xian, not with me around!”
“
Do you think you'll stop me?! She's stupid! You’re stupid! History is stupid! HISTORY IS STUPID!”
He was spitting in my face, screeching loudly. Like a rat, his fingers were sharp, aimed at me.
“
Stop the car!” I hit the back of the driver’s seat, and the driver immediately stopped the vehicle.
I ran out. Rivers of tears fell. I kept running. I don’t know where, but I had to run.
“
Jill!” I heard Iris call out. Sorry, sister, but I need to run.
After a long run, I stopped. My feet ached badly and so I squatted beside some structure. It was a
leftover. Maybe some construction bricks.
I began to wipe my face with the long sleeve of my tunic. I was a mess. My head itched and long
tangled auburn hairs poked in front of my sight.
I thought of what I should do next. Should I go home or just keep walking? I then remembered about
the Great Wall. The Great Wall which would’ve stood forever. Humans create and destroy the precious. Why
can’t humanity keep its treasures? Why must we break to make?
I cried. I sobbed. I screamed. I cried for the men who died in the construction of that wall. For the
women who lost their fathers, brothers, husbands and sons. For those children who never saw their fathers. Even
for the Mongolians who desperately climbed over the barrier.