“
What he is doing here? He must have read my note! Yes, I just know he would see it!” I thought
hopefully. I lay awake for a long time smiling and imagining how we would meet each other romantically the
next day.
I opened my eyes to the shimmering morning light. It was the earliest waking time so far. I washed my face
and combed my messy hair very seriously. I took a deep breath when I got to the canteen’s door. My hands were
shaking when I reached for the door handle.
I saw him, a perfect creature, even more handsome than the last time we’ve seen. I swallowed. It was really him,
no hallucination this time. I waved at him through the crowd. He glanced at me with hollow eyes and frowned.
He didn’t wave back. I walked over to him and said hi. But he just stood there, as stiff as a stone, staring at me.
Finally, he moved his lips. ”Do I know you, miss?” He didn’t recognize me. My mind labored, unable to make
sense of his puzzled expression.
The alarm broke out again. It was assembly. We moved our heavy steps to the barracks. When I stepped out, I
felt rain falling onto my head.
I stepped backwards to avoid the rain, but Fong caught me. A white clone headed towards my way. Before I
could respond, he shot a beam of light towards my palm. I screamed, wanting to catch Xiang's attention. But he
didn’t seem to notice my scream. He was talking to the red clone, who was nodding at him. The clone seemed to
be pleased with what Xiang was saying.
The next day, I saw Xiang again on way to the Great Wall. I was shocked. He was wearing a red suit with a
sparkling epaulet on his shoulder. I finally figured out what had happened when I saw him command the
prisoners—he become a captain. My heart rippled. I thought was going to be mad. I couldn’t convince myself to
believe this stranger was my husband, who kept doing things I thought he never would have done.
I stared at him every day. But he never looked back, never.
“
Broadcast time!” he announced during dinner.
“
The new captain, Xiang, reported that there were some rebel unions among you. From now on, you weren’t
allowed to talk or gather during private time. Those who do not comply shall be named rebels, and we shall
reward them with a cruel punishment.” Sounds of clapping burst out.
I glanced around the room and saw some of them exchange a horrifying look. I had a vague idea who the
rebels were. Some were my roommates.
I made myself stay up at night. Finally. I heard their whispers. They were going to rebel soon. I had
hesitated whether to join them or not, but I thought of my husband and decided that I wouldn’t give up on him,
no matter how he changed. I prayed for the success and safety of the rebels.
“
I saw her putting a bomb into Fong’s room, sir,” a prisoner shrieked, pointing at one of my roommate. The
canteen was dead silent, I didn’t even dare to breathe.
“
Catch them all!” Xiang’s voice echoed in the silence. My heart sank. The clones, of all colours and armed
to fight, entered the canteen.
Sounds of bombs, shooting and screaming filled the canteen. I curled up and covered my head, shuddering. I
opened my eyes and was astonished to see the other prisoners supporting the clones and captains, but not the
rebels. Those who fought with the clones were rebels, others were all caught within a handful minutes. They
were on the ground, crying in pain as beams of light shot towards them. Tears welled up in their eyes and their
teeth chattered.
“
Deliver them to the surgery room, at once!” Fong’s spoke with a great authority. I bit my lip, and threw
myself out at her.
“
You’ve missed one,” I made a face at Fong and grinned bitterly at Xiang, hoping that he would jump in front of
me and protect me from the clones. But he didn’t. I pressed my fist against my mouth to keep myself from
screaming as the beams shot towards me. It was almost impossible to bear the pain. I lost conscious while
keeping a hard smile on my face. I was thinking of our first date, our first kiss.
I saw his handsome face in a blur, not sure if it was a dream.
“
You haven’t fulfilled your promise,” I muttered weakly.
“
Miss, I’ll have your memory erased,” his dark eyes focused on mine. For only an instant, he winked. The wall
that had been between us for so long suddenly broke down. I was too muddled to react. It was him, the one I
loved. My gasp turned into a sigh of relief. I nodded and closed my eyes.
I had been looking forward to this walk with my neice. We wandered around and came to the Great Wall, a
majestic place, the symbol of the Chinese civilization. I have never seen the place for myself before.
“
Excuse me. Do you know where the toilet is?” a foreigner asked.
“
That way,” I pointed to the right on a reflex. I frowned. Why was I so familiar with this place?
I sauntered along the steps on the Great Wall, while my little niece took careful steps.
“
Why are the walls so tall?" I wondered. "Pity, one misses the beautiful scenery outside.” I chuckled at my