It was Ms Wong’s turn. She asked how Alfred knew he would be mistreated by the Chinese government. Alfred recounted stories he’d heard from friends and colleagues about people who were arrested, detained, and had disappeared because of their writing.

“Why do you think these stories are real?” Ms Wong asked.

“Chinese culture has been dying for some time now. In my opinion, the Chinese government is not interested in preserving the great things we have accomplished or creating a thriving environment for cultural thought and growth. Everyone fears the government, and this has affected how people work, act, and feel. New generations of Chinese people are without cultural education and only care about status and money. Chinese people are stuck in the days of the emperor, where one person ruled, except now it is a group of people. They still think they are great, when all they are interested in is conquering those around them who they think are barbaric. Really, they are the barbaric, hateful people. I don’t want to be associated with them, and I will devote my life to becoming anything but Chinese.”

Mother let go of Auntie Miriam’s hands and folded her arms across her chest. Her lips were pursed so tight they disappeared, and her eyebrows were furrowed. I, too, was shocked by Alfred’s words.

Ms Wong then provided a closing argument. She spoke with confidence and authority, holding her ground when she was questioned. I was hypnotized.

After the hearing, Ms Wong said, “Alfred, you did well. It’s out of our hands now. I hope you all can enjoy the rest of the afternoon.” She gave him a hug before she left.

Auntie Miriam hugged Alfred warmly, but Mother stood by barely acknowledging him. When he went to the washroom, Auntie Miriam said, “What’s the matter, Swee Hua? You didn’t say anything to Alfred.”

“Honestly, Miriam, I can’t look at him anymore. I can’t believe he would say such horrible things just so he can stay in Canada.”

“What are you talking about?”

“Did you hear how he talked about Chinese people?”

“Pfft. Swee Hua, you shouldn’t take it so personally.”

“How can I not take it personally? You should take it personally! He insulted all of us. He gave those ang mo lang more reasons to look at us like barbarians, like people with no capacity for reason or love. He betrayed us!”

“You’re really being too dramatic, Swee Hua. He had to say something to convince those people that he needs to stay.”

“Did he? Did he need to disown his own kind, his own people, himself? There is no honour in that. He went too far.”

Alfred did not have to wait long. Less than two weeks later, Auntie Miriam asked Mother to translate the decision, which flowed over two pages.