New Tales of the Great Wall
Lai Sha Chan, Group 4: Fiction, Buddhist Mau Fung Memorial College
llen, you have to sleep now. It’s too late,’ my mother said.
‘
I need to present this project tomorrow, so I must finish it tonight. Don’t wait up,’ I replied.
‘
I really can’t understand why you are so enthusiastic about the history of China.’
‘
It’s a dream. Okay? Forget about it! I don’t want to talk about it anymore. I am sad. I really
don’t know why my boyfriend Kelvin can’t understand me. It’s my dream. He should support me,
not criticize me.’
‘
The Great Wall of China, one of the greatest wonders of the world, was listed as a World Heritage Site by
UNESCO in 1987. Just like a gigantic dragon, the Great Wall winds up and down deserts, grasslands, mountains
and plateaus, stretching approximately 8,852 kilometres.’
‘
Good job, Ellen. I want you to follow up on the history of the Great Wall. I want you to go on a trip to
Beijing to undergo a field investigation of the Great Wall. I believe you will learn more about the history of
China.’
‘
Thank you, Sir. Thank you for giving me this opportunity.’
I felt happy and I wanted to tell Kelvin first. I bought a cake and a bottle of wine to celebrate together.
However, when I arrived home, no one was there. Then I saw a piece of paper on the table. It was written by
Kelvin.
“
Ellen, you always focus on your work. I think you love your job more than you love me. I really don’t
know how to live with you. Maybe we need to calm down for a while.’
I cried and felt so disappointed. Kelvin still couldn’t understand me. I looked around the empty house.
There were a lot of wonderful memories running into my head, about our love, our smile and all the other things
we had done together. I couldn’t let go. I love him, but I couldn’t give up my dream. What should I do?
I decided to go to Beijing to clear my head and deal with it later. I decided to pursue my career first.
I was walking along the endless stairs, enjoying the spectacular view up there. Then an old couple caught
my attention. The old man was helping his wife to climb up the steep stairs. They walked very slowly. However,
the woman did not have much response towards him. No matter what he said, she just smiled. I was really
curious about the reason behind, but I didn’t want to intrude their moment.
I was wandering along the stairs to continue my exploration of the Great Wall. I saw them again. They
were climbing the stairs slowly. I couldn’t hold my tongue any longer. I needed to ask them why they had been
acting like this. Why was the woman always in silence? I couldn’t help but wonder.
I walked towards the couple. ‘Excuse me. I’m a tourist here. I have been to the Great Wall for the last two
days. I can’t help but notice the two of you. No matter what you say to your wife, your wife just smiles. Why is
that?’
The old man gave me a bittersweet smile. ‘My wife is diagnosed with Alzheimer’s disease. She lost all her
memory. We met here 50 years ago. The Great Wall meant a lot to us. I want her to remember our past by
bringing her here. Unfortunately, she still can’t remember anything,’ the old man said. Their story was so sad.
They have loved each other for 50 years but the woman could not remember it anymore.
Suddenly, I wanted to ask him how they could stay happily married for so many years. ‘If we have any
problems or conflicts in our relationship, we figure things out. We talk it through and solve our problems
thoroughly, unlike the teenagers nowadays. They just avoid problems. If they can’t solve their problems, they
just break up or divorce.’
I was inspired by his answer. I shouldn’t avoid my own problems by running away. I should deal with my
disagreement with Kelvin directly. We had to work out our differences since we still love each other. I thanked
the old man and wished them good luck.
While I was walking along this spectacular architecture, I decided to fight hard for my happiness and
relationship. I would not run away anymore.
* * *
‘
E