Oriental Treat

By Kurt John Brown

I take it back! How many times in life does a man or women utter these words? When we say something stupid or hateful, then we often ask for forgiveness and take it back. Sharp and piercing words stick in the mind like a coffee stain on a white shirt-it never totally goes away. If these same words are used regarding the life that a man or woman has lived, is the effect any different? The answer is obvious: forgiveness may come from an apology, but in life there is no do-overs, only change. Life starts out hard and remains hard in one way or another for all of us. Even if wealth and power is abundant from the beginning, the mental stress can be devastating. Hard work and determination are essential qualities on the road to success. When our work is finished for the day, hopefully there is time to play, and sometimes the games we play can lead to destruction. Along the road of life, we should have respect and concern for our fellow human beings' feelings. When morality and decency become strangers to our actions, when we are willing to step on anyone's throat to fulfill our desires, then the road of life can become dangerous, if not deadly. Thankfully, many people are not that ruthless in life. The journey of such evil debauchery and selfish desire can be experienced in Oriental Treat. If you desire to read a novel that can keep you wondering where such a woman's life will lead her, a story that you may easily relate to or feel overwhelming sympathy or contempt for her actions, then Oriental Treat is the next novel you should be reading.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Page Publishing, Inc.
• Release date: Nov 21, 2018
• ISBN: 9781644240281

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Oriental Treat

Kurt John Brown

Copyright © 2018 Kurt John Brown

All rights reserved

First Edition

Page Publishing, Inc

New York, NY

First originally published by Page Publishing, Inc 2018

ISBN 978-1-64424-027-4 (Paperback)

ISBN 978-1-64424-028-1 (Digital)

Printed in the United States of America

Chapter

1

Get back to work, bellows the landowner. Break is over! The family is hardworking, deliberate, and focused. This is the only way to survive. The days are long and very unrewarding, up early in the morning with token bits of food and a need for plenty of drinking water, and off to work they go. Their hands are rough and worn from the backbreaking work regime one must perform to survive. Tears often fill their eyes as they struggle to earn their keep. Mom and Dad have no choice but to work them hard. The landlord is watching, or he always has someone watching. The deceitful, evil, and thoughtless eyes of the man seem always upon them. When will it stop? Sloughing through ankle-deep water, Elizabeth’s shoes are so weighted and her feet so sore. Shoes! She often forgets that shoes are but a dream. Her mind wanders, to where, she is not sure, just somewhere else. No aching back, no water soaked feet, ah, and yes, shoes!

She has often wondered what her real hopes and dreams are, the true desires of her heart. School was very abrupt and classes were often scuttled. She learned what they wanted and all they really wanted them to learn was to work. Maybe someday she will actually have a free mind that is able to learn and dream with real visions and a changed future. Shoes, more than shoes!

Evening arrives as if the day was absent. They all march back to their less-than-modest dwelling, hoping their must be a decent home in their future. Supper brings about more work, fetching some vegetables and rice and, if they’re lucky, a couple bites of meat. Mother clamors for all to gather around, and the rationing begins. A dismal evening dirge is repeated time and time again. A skinny dog barks in the back of their heads—not much for him either. He won’t be around long. The butcher’s cleaver will not spare his life. His life will end as the centerpiece of a feast. Another skinny dog will come along, only to be served up, but out of misery. Lucky dog. No need for a name, his life is too abrupt, and a companion Elizabeth dares not make of him. Her heart is broken enough. Suppertime passes into darkness, and they sit back and wait for morning. Amusement escapes them. It has long been a stranger to the family. Happiness appears to be for the very young. Age is disposable when life has no meaning or hope. Mother gives them a big hug at bedtime, and a little ray of peace engulfs their hearts. They lie in bed exchanging some soft words.

Nancy, what are you thinking?

What really is there to think about? whispers Nancy.

I’m not sure, but I was hoping together we could dream of something, you know, something super special.

I am too tired to think right now.

Nancy, do you remember the Catholic missionaries who came through here a while back?

I sure do, little one.

Were they telling the truth, you think, you know, about the one called Jesus?

Oh, Elizabeth, I sure hope so. Go to sleep now, little one. Morning will come soon enough.

Sleep comes easy for those who are exhausted from a day of vigorous labor. Both of them are quickly transported into a deep, sound sleep. Young children sleeping so majestically and look so very innocent. How quickly they change. It is so perfect, nice, peaceful, and restful, and they both have shiny new shoes! Violence erupts, and the lithesome dream is suddenly a nightmare. Screaming as she is falling to the ground with a very strong man on top of her. She pushes and screams all the more, but there is no escaping. Why is this happening to her? She can’t make it stop. Why does such innocence have to come to such a violent, convulsive end? Her cries ring out and awaken Nancy. She is soon beside her with her comforting tongue.

Another nightmare, little one?

Oh yes, she squeals between the sobs. These dreams just keep getting worse.

Quiet now. I have you safe in my arms.

Mother rarely wakes from her sleep until daybreak. She never hears our crying. She is so exhausted from the day to rise from her needed slumber. They would hate to make her feel bad with all their crying. Not too many things much worse for a good mother than the bad dreams of her child. They can give her a feeling of helplessness to truly comfort her child. Dreams that reoccur without much hope for a solution, except to live with the nightmare endings. Mom will do anything in her power to help. They have heard her cry far too often.

Nancy, please sleep with me for the rest of the night, please!

Okay, I will. Close your eyes, and together we will survive the darkness until morning.

Morning arrives, and Mom comes to wake them. Why are you two girls in the same bed again this morning?

We just feel safer this way, Mom, says Elizabeth.

Well, if you two think so, but it sure doesn’t look comfortable to me.

Mom scurries out of the room, looking back she shouts. Hurry, breakfast is almost ready. Elizabeth looks at Nancy’s winsome face, and it is always so comforting, and she softly whispers, Thank you, Nancy. You saved my life again.

Ah, not really. It’s nothing you wouldn’t do for me.

Elizabeth lies back thinking she has never been such a comfort to her. She is always coming to my aid. Maybe big sisters are meant to be that way and little sisters get a pass, but she is glad she has that burden to comfort her. Elizabeth just cannot be that caring.

Having dressed, they run out of their room and into the stern and gentle presence of Daddy heading to the breakfast table. They know their place, and he expects them to be there. Daddy is a proud man, and the years of hard work and low pay at the factory has discouraged him even before the day begins. Disillusioned and beat, they believe he expected more out of life than a small shack on the edge of a back road village that screams poverty and oppression. He is not relaxed this morning, which puts Nancy and Elizabeth on edge. They both know not to upset Daddy so early in the morning or he will be twice the dragon when he arrives home from work. Breakfast is rushed, and he leaves for the long walk to the other side of the village to catch a bus to the factory. He leaves with no fanfare, quick kisses and hugs for all. His affection for them has been impaled by his lack of success. His dream of a strong virile son will never be recognized. The disappointment is glaringly obvious. They begin to help their mother clean up from breakfast and start their chores around the house. They feed the few chickens they have, and water is drawn for the day. They sweep out the house and ready themselves for the long day in the fields. As they meander along the trail the pack of workers grows in size. Mothers and daughters, mothers and daughters, mothers and daughters, advancing with no progress. They reach the fields and the workday begins, work for food, food for work, no money, just food.

Do you think we will ever escape this life, Nancy?

I pray for that to happen someday.

Do you think we will make it out together, Nancy?

I won’t leave without you, little one.

You’re so sweet, Nancy.

I keep thinking about those magazines from America that are circulating around the village. I hope to see them again soon!

They seem to live such a life of privilege over there. I want to be part of it, Nancy.

Elizabeth, you must stop daydreaming so often about such far-flung stuff. it’s nice to dream a little bit, but often it leads to disappointment.

We will be fortunate to make it to Hong Kong someday.

Oh, Nancy, we will make it to Hong Kong someday. I believe Daddy will get us there sometime soon!

Many have died trying, quips Nancy.

It is worth trying, sighs Elizabeth.

Elizabeth, keep your mind on your work. You know we must get this portion done today. Besides, the island is quite crowded, and jobs can be hard to find.

Yeah, but everybody wears shoes there, just like America.

Shoes. You and your dream of shoes.

The noonday sun scorches down like hot metal in a machine shop. Finally they stop to have lunch and take some rest under a shade tree. They finish eating quickly and barely have time to rest their bones. Elizabeth closes her eyes and zooms off to another world. A world of nice things with pretty little girls in colored dresses and makeup, wearing bright shiny shoes. A young man grabs her hand and gently leads her to the dance floor. His blue eyes sparkle, and she gazes into them intently. They dance so perfectly together as if they are one. The music stops, and he kisses her softly on the cheek and tells her how beautiful she is. They leave the dance floor and stroll out the grand entrance and hop into their brand-new car, driving home on paved streets that glitter and shine.

Elizabeth! Mother shouts. Get to your feet. It is time to get back to work.

I hear you, Mom. Groggily she stands up, her and her bare feet, and together they all march back to the fields.

Finally the day ends and they begin their traipse back home. Daddy arrives home a bit later than usual this evening, and they expect him to be quite cranky. Daddy arriving home late usually means the bus ride had some troubles. Tonight he is very cheerful and excited. They rush around and help Mother prepare the evening meal. Mom seems to be caught up in Daddy’s elation. Could there actually be some sort of terrific news, or has Daddy been drinking? They gather around the supper table, and the atmosphere is delightful. Not its usual uneasy lament. Daddy eats with his usual muteness, but spookily cheerful with a renewed vigor they have not seen for a long time.

Nancy bravely breaks the silence. How was your workday, Daddy?

It was a great day, my child, he gleefully responds.

Oh, Daddy! Mom exclaims. Shall we tell them now?

Let us savor this meal and save the news for after supper.

Nancy and Elizabeth exchange a cogitative glance at each other. They send their eyes back to their supper plates, as not to arouse Daddy’s suspicion of their jubilant thoughts. He does not like them to have any clandestine dreams for fear of a shattering disappointment. Supper continues, and an airy excitement grows with every bite. Daddy is just so extraordinary this evening. It is pleasant, but Elizabeth and Nancy are definitely on guard. They are never sure about Daddy’s moods. Supper has finally ended, and Mom serves up some sweet rice for dessert. Sweet rice is always a good sign, as we rarely have it without a celebration. With supper ended, the girls clean up the dishes and tidy up the house. Nancy and Elizabeth wait in anxious and silent anticipation for Daddy’s excitement to be explained to them. Without warning, the stillness is broken as Daddy calls the family all together. They circle around his feet, as is the custom in the house. He announces the long-awaited news. The family will soon be moving to the island of Hong Kong. This journey was anticipated or, more accurately, dreamed about by them all.

The family will be making this unauthorized journey within the month, he explains. We must all keep our move secret as the mainland government does not approve of this type of movement without their approval. We will leave at night when the connections can be made, and we must link up with my brother at the precise time. This is a dangerous journey, but it will make our lives much better, he says, nodding his head.

The family can only hope their dreams of this day will not be thwarted by the authorities. The excitement is growing with every breath between them all. Nancy and Elizabeth giggle at each other with unabashed expectancy. It will be hard for them to sleep tonight.

We must begin to prepare for this passage to relative freedom immediately, but we must show no signs of packing up either, says Daddy. The call will come like a thief in the night, and we must be prepared or we will miss out.

Mom says, The girls and I will start prepping for the escape tomorrow morning.

Wonderful! Daddy exclaims with a song-filled voice.

The days seem to drag onward. It has been over a week since Daddy shared the exciting news of the plans to escape the mainland. They wonder if it will actually ever come about. The routine of up early and hard, somewhat-pointless work continues and robs them of the joy they will hopefully soon be feeling.

Nancy, why can’t it happen tonight? asks Elizabeth as they lay in bed trying to sleep.

Patience, little one. It will soon be here.

Maybe tonight? she squeals.

Lower your voice. Maybe tonight. Try to rest, Elizabeth. We will need our strength for tomorrow, either for work or escape.

Suddenly Mom is waking them up. Get up, children, and get your things together. We are leaving.

Daddy is waiting by the door with a satchel of his most treasured possessions. One satchel apiece is all they can take with them. As they head out the door of the shack that has been home for their entire life, Elizabeth feels a sense of relief. Mixed emotions come over her as she looks back. She refuses to look back again. Once is enough. The least amount of memories she has of this place will be sufficient. They trek through the woods for what seems like an eternity. They emerge from the underbrush as a truck flashes its lights. They all pile into the back of the truck, and Daddy closes a black tarp around them. The darkness is haunting and is only surpassed by the deafening silence between them. They drive for hours, and finally the vehicle stops. The sweet smell of a sea breeze fills their nostrils. They clamor out of the truck and down a steep bank and hop into an old rickety boat. A toothless old man greets them. His confidence calms their pounding hearts. The winding sound of the boat’s old motor seems to strain as they slowly lurch forward one wave at a time. The repetitive gentle thumping of the waves soon lures Nancy and Elizabeth to sleep. Daybreak comes, and they awake to see their dreams about to blossom. The shore of the great island known as Hong Kong beckons them forward. As they reach the shore, they recognize Daddy’s brother waiting to greet them. The boat swooshes to a stop on the sands of the beach, and they jump off to their newfound freedom. Daddy and his brother embrace with tear-filled eyes. They all begin to weep as the dream they would not let go of finally arrives. A new life awaits them with modern amenities they could only have dreamed of just hours ago. A bit of fear tingles in Elizabeth’s spine. What will they do? How will they live? What will happen in this new life of theirs? A desire realized sure makes the heart sing. She is willing to bet her feet will just love her new shoes!

Chapter

2

Life on the island of Hong Kong is not easy, nor is it all comfort and pleasure. There is still much hard work to be done by the whole family. Not many free rides in life, work is ordained by God. They stayed with Uncle David and Aunt Jenny for what seemed like a whole lifetime. Their house is kind of small, and with their three children and the four of them, it was really quite cramped. Daddy and Mommy have finally saved up enough money for them to move into their own apartment, and being just the four of them, it will be great. It is not much of a place, but they have their own bathroom and some privacy of their own, and Elizabeth is sure Uncle and Auntie are as happy as they are to be gone. Nancy and Elizabeth will have their own bedrooms now, something they both will enjoy. In some ways, Elizabeth misses Nancy not sleeping in the same room with her. She has always been such a great comfort, yet at the same time the girls seem to be growing apart from each other. Sometimes the act of growing up brings forth such changes. Elizabeth will have to contend with her bad dreams on her own now, but they seem less frequent, which is a comforting relief. Ever since they have stopped sleeping together, she rarely calls Elizabeth as little one, and she will admit that she sure misses it somehow.

Daddy works the weekdays and part of the weekends at the docks. He was fortunate to land a job in the maintenance department. The factory skills he learned on the mainland played a big role in his ability to get the good job he has. The maintenance department pays a much-better wage, with opportunity for the extra hours. The family can sure use the extra money as Hong Kong is much more expensive place to live compared to the mainland. Mom has a part-time job cleaning rich people’s houses. She cleans houses that are very spacious, and sometimes the owners are very demanding. Nancy and Elizabeth go along with Mom when they are not in school to help lighten her workload. They find it peculiar that some people have so much while others have so little. Comparing all that is available here to the mainland is truly unbelievable. Sometimes they have a hard time understanding or even believing what is going on in their little piece of this world. They do get to wear shoes every day now, which is a real pleasure, but it doesn’t seem such a big deal anymore to have shoes. When they go to clean with Mom and see all the opulence afforded by the wealthy, Elizabeth will admit that envy strikes her heart.

Nancy, come here and look at this woman’s closet.

Elizabeth, I do not care to see what other people have so much of anymore.

This woman has probably a hundred pairs of shoes and countless dresses and other clothing, and this is just one of her closets!

Forget about it, Elizabeth. You must live in reality or you will continue to be disappointed with life.

No way, Nancy. Someday I will have tons of clothes and shoes, you wait and see.

Elizabeth, get back to work and stop daydreaming! shouts Mom.

Yes, Mom. She says softly so Mom can’t hear her, You both will see someday when I have someone like you two to clean my mansion.

The three busy themselves and finish up the cleaning at hand. They have another house to do and then rush home to prepare the evening meal. As they head out the door, Elizabeth takes one more look back, as she always does, and admires the things that come with wealth and vows in her mind that she will someday enjoy the same.

Fighting through the extremely busy streets the hustle and bustle Hong Kong is known for, Mom and the girls rush toward the open air market. Fresh fish and produce are in abundance there, and they buy some of both for the evening meal. They get to buy extra food now as the luxury of owning a refrigerator ensures the food will not spoil. On the mainland, few people in their old province had such an appliance as a refrigerator and other electrical pleasantries. The market is full of people buying and selling their commodities and other wares. Pushing and shoving seems to be the norm as first come, first serve is the rule, and the loudest get quick attention. Life in the big city is such, and they are getting better at being aggressive themselves. Everybody wants the same thing they want, and just like all the rest, they want it now. Mom is not so bold as most and often gets pushed around. This leads to spending more time at the market than necessary, which can really irritate Elizabeth. She hates this smelly place. She has learned the game and has become forceful and speaks up to take what is hers. You cannot be bashful and expect to get anywhere in the big city or life.

Who’s next? hollers the fishmonger.

A woman steps up and tries to order ahead of Mom. I’ll take two large sea bass, she exclaims. Elizabeth can see that Mom is not going to fight back and take her respective turn.

We want four Chinese mackerel! she shrieks.

I have already ordered, young lady, the women snorts.

It is our turn, lady, she says quickly but respectfully.

I said two large sea bass for me please, she said as she peers at the man.

Wait! Elizabeth screams. You know it is our turn, and I want four mackerel.

Young lady, I’m in a hurry, and I have no time to waste for some poor, peasant child. Two large sea bass please.

Elizabeth feels herself getting extremely angry, and she wants to hurt this woman. Mom steps in front of her, smiles, and gives the rude woman her way. Elizabeth will not forget this incident, and she will not forget how mother has acted. Someday she will have her way. They take their turn next and head for home. Her anger has not totally subsided yet, and as she is leaving, her eye catches a glimpse of that woman as she is getting into her car. Elizabeth still wants to hurt her. Her life of being poor continuously stings her young heart to the point of rage. She now must catch a bus back to their home, packed into their seats, and some have to stand like a bunch of cattle off to slaughter. Elizabeth hates this. She hates being reduced to public transportation,