Chapters (53)
- Cover
- Title page
- Prologue
- Part One
- One
- Two
- Three
- Four
- Five
- Six
- Seven
- Eight
- Nine
- Ten
- Part Two
- One
- Two
- Three
- Four
- Five
- Six
- Seven
- Eight
- Nine
- Ten
- Eleven
- Twelve
- Thirteen
- Fourteen
- Fifteen
- Sixteen
- Seventeen
- Eighteen
- Nineteen
- Twenty
- Twenty-one
- Twenty-two
- Twenty-three
- Twenty-four
- Part Three
- One
- Two
- Three
- Four
- Five
- Six
- Seven
- Eight
- Nine
- Ten
- Eleven
- Twelve
- Author’s Note and Acknowledgements
Lailin looked at the toffees in surprise and extended her hand to take one. A faint smile emerged. Holding Lee Chang’s hand she slowly got up and sat on the bed. All the other children came and stood near her with cheerful faces, toffees in their hands.
After Mei Fung’s child went to sleep, the other children had their gruel and sausage and followed suit, content. The adults ate and sat down to talk. After sharing all the information they had got from Lee and Wang, Lee Chang asked Hong, ‘Is it true what Lee ako has said?’
‘I have heard the same. I don’t know how far it is true. I have heard that the government will announce special policies for the overseas Chinese. Whichever country we decide to live in, we need to show we have relatives there. I have heard that it will be easier for those who are not married. It will be very difficult for us. You will have more difficulty, Mei Lin.’
Mei Lin looked at Hong with tired eyes.
‘Let us get out of here. Is this a life fit for a human being? I can’t take it anymore. Do something, Hong. Do it fast.’
‘Mei Lin is right,’ Mei Hang said. ‘We can’t let our children grow up here. Without education, they will have to work as labourers wherever they go. Find a way out, Hong. There is definitely a way out.’
‘If the government has really made the policy, we will be able to leave. But it will take time if we have to follow the rules; we are married and don’t have anyone in Hong Kong. I have also heard that the exit permit will be given to all. But when! No one knows. But there is a way for you, Mei Lin. I have learned something else. But I don’t know how will you take it –’
Hong looked at Mei Lin’s eyes for a while and said hesitantly, ‘If you get married to someone from abroad then the government cannot stop you.’
Marry? Someone from abroad? How preposterous!
Mei Lin looked at Hong, stunned.
‘Do I need to get married to be able to leave this place? But what about Pulok? Do I erase all hope of meeting Pulok again?’ she thought to herself.
She looked at the pale face of her sleeping child.
The turmoil in her heart was overpowering.
Everyone fell silent. Collecting herself, Mei Lin said slowly, ‘I have a husband, Hong.’
‘I know. But that does not count for much in this country.’
Looking at Mei Lin’s surprised eyes, Hong resumed.