The Dragon Phoenix Bracelet by Monica Li

Author:Monica Li [Li, Monica]
Language: eng
Format: epub
ISBN: 9781909984165
Publisher: Book Guild Publishing

13

Water treatment was a common form of torture used by the Japanese during the Second World War. The victim was bound and water was forced via the mouth and nostrils to the lungs and stomach, until he lost consciousness. Pressure was then applied by jumping on the stomach to force the water out.

6

Post War

The Japanese occupation started in 1931, lasting until 1945. During that time, everyone did their best to survive. Some scavenged for food and hid in the hills. Some moved to farms in the countryside. Others remained in the cities, surviving on meagre food rations.

For Jade, the days at the orphanage seemed endless. She was almost happy about being in limbo. Even though she had barely enough to eat, she was no longer a prostitute and felt like she had a purpose in life.

Jade volunteered to take care of the orphans. In a way, she hoped that if she performed good deeds Little Pig would be blessed and not be harmed. Working indoors also meant she could stay out of the sun. The last thing she wanted was to look like a peasant.

Jade didn’t feel guilty about being choosy. At least she was earning her keep; some of the refugees were completely idle from one meal to the next. Sister Marie taught English lessons using the Bible to keep these refugees occupied and motivated.

Jade too attended the lessons because she liked the stories about Jesus. Guan Yin had not saved her daughter. Maybe the white man’s god would. She heard the story about Jesus and the little girl – how he raised her from the dead – and asked Sister Marie if Jesus would help her find Little Pig if she believed in Him. She said, ‘All things are possible if you have faith.’

‘Whatever you say, I cannot believe in your god. Otherwise I will be punished. My ancestors will blame me for starving them in hell if I do not burn paper money and offerings for them.’

Jade was not particularly religious, but ultimately she was not prepared to dishonour her ancestors by converting.

When she wasn’t caring for the children or attending Bible classes, Jade entertained the others with songs. She used to perform excerpts from Cantonese operas for her patrons. She enjoyed being the centre of attention and revelled in the applause. She thought that perhaps after the war she could become a professional opera singer.

The relatively carefree life at the orphanage didn’t last forever. Two years into the Japanese occupation, Sister Marie was forced to close the shelter.

‘I’m afraid we have bad news to share.’ Sister Marie had gathered everyone in the main hall to make her announcement.

‘The Japanese occupying force has ordered all shelters to close down. We have been given one month’s supply of food before we have to get out of this building.’

There was commotion all around.

‘Where will we go? Our homes have been destroyed!’

‘You will have to find a permanent place to live or leave the city. The Japanese will punish anyone who disobeys the orders.

Download

Copyright Disclaimer:
This site does not store any files on its server. We only index and link to content provided by other sites. Please contact the content providers to delete copyright contents if any and email us, we'll remove relevant links or contents immediately.