Thursday Doors: More Macau

This post is a continuation of the one last week; my trip to Macau with my son.  Previously, when visiting Macau from Hong Kong, we had to take two ferries from the island I currently live on.  Last week, we took the longest sea bridge in the world, 55 kilometers, by bus. The bridge was opened…

Whispers

Jarrod, the conservator, stood before the blackened earth. Facing the crowd, he explained, “The oil lamp slipped from Elizabeth’s hand. The family home burned down around her, but no one knows exactly what happened that night.” “Why did the villagers burn their homes?” asked a young man. “I believe in solidarity,” Jarrod asserted. A woman with cold…

Thursday Doors: Senado Square (Macau)

Yesterday, I took another trip 60 km southwest of Hong Kong to the territory of Macau, a former Portuguese colony, now a Special Administrative Region of the People’s Republic of China. I always enjoy visiting, especially in the company of my son.  My family lived in Macau for one year, within 1999-2000.  As you might…

The Voice of Freedom

From fear of the unexplainable, children of magical beings were locked away.  Propelled by the Voice, Emeline caused the guards to sleep.  The Voice guided her to the filth-filled waterways below the fortress.  Floating on planks of rotting wood, she cleared the half-submerged gates. Drawn downriver, she breathed the air of freedom and bobbed toward…

Good Deed

Joseph pounded the wheel, glaring at the black screen on his phone. The car cost a fortune, and it breaks down in the middle of nowhere!? A man with matted hair limped towards the car from below the bridge. He’s going to ask for money, he’s even carrying a cup! The man knocked on Joseph’s…

Taken

The flower market at Lunar New Year was exquisite. Rosita held her daughter’s small hand as they glided through, admiring the brilliant exotic plants. They chattered excitedly, making their way back to the hotel where her husband waited.  They had planned a special dinner for the last night of their vacation. A scream popped their joyful…

Someday

Wiping away tears, Alina stood on tiptoe peering through the pawn shop window at her papa’s beloved chess set.  He was gone.  The drink had taken him to his grave. Alina’s mama promised, “Someday, we’ll buy it back.”  But, her mama’s broken heart pulled her to the grave soon after. Winters were brutal.  Alina barely…