Fall Semester 2009

Hi Everyone,

I hope everyone's summer is going well. Since we are returning in a few weeks, I hope more of you will come by our room (1548 N Club Row). It's actually cozy, considering that we got new items in the room, so it feels like an apartment rather than an office. As the semester begins, be sure to stop by and do whatever club hours you can, especially within the first few months. Do not do club hours when the semester is almost over! Hanging out in club row when you have finals is not such a great idea. In short, club hours are not mandatory, but you will be helping us out if you can spare some of your time during the semester. We are always looking for people who are willing to meet with potential members. I'm looking forward to meeting everyone all over again, including our newest members. Always spread the word about our journal in your classes, recruit your peers, and keep writing to keep this journal alive. Our launch party is coming up; we will email you about the dates!

On another note, I am still meeting with authors and artists who have already submitted work for the upcoming fall 2009 journal. Everyone who was not selected will be notified shortly. I am, however, still overlooking all writing material from Spring 2009, so don't go into panic mode if you haven't been contacted as of yet. Keep in mind that there will be more journals in the future. I will be more than happy to meet with any writer who has submitted work even if he/she has not been selected by the editorial board. Going over you work is the best way to both improve your writing as an author and a student.

Enjoy the rest of your summer, and email me if you have any questions about the journal, editorial board, and club. Also, we are going to change the name of the club. We will be called the "Creative Writing Club" as of September, 2009.

Best,
Rachel Ramirez
President of the Fiction Writers Association

New Deadline and 3rd General Meeting

Dear Members,

The deadline to submit work to "The Quill" has been reopened. The new date is May 15, 2009. I encourage you all to submit any creative work you have.

Also, the FWA's third general meeting will be held on Monday (April 6th 2009) at 5:00 p.m. in room 1212 North Hall. The event will be another reading session; the Poetry Club and the FWA are having a joint meeting. Bring samples of your work to share with your fellow students. Refreshments will be served.

Best,
FWA

3rd General Meeting (UPDATE)

Good Morning FWA members

The meeting that was scheduled for today will not be taking place. We will reschedule the meeting for next week, and notify you by email. 

Best,

FWA

3rd General Meeting

Hi everyone, our next meeting will be April 2nd, 2009 in room 1539 Club Row. We will have another reading session, and we will be answering any questions you have about the journal. The meeting will be held in the afternoon. Check your email later this week about the specifics. Have a good semester, and good luck on your midterms.

Best,

FWA

Second General Meeting

Our next meeting will be on Tuesday, March 17th, from 12:30-1:30 p.m. in room 2200.04 North Hall.  The event will be a reading session where everyone can share their own writing and receive comments and critiques from everybody including the executive board and our members.  This is a great opportunity to read some good creative work and get a second opinion on your own writing.  Please bring any work you have that you are willing to share, whether it is fiction, poetry or even non-fiction.

Best,

FWA

Out of Touch

by Stacey-Ann McAllister

My body's turning against me.
My mind's losing control.
Heavy breathing,
my feelings aren't cold;
now they're hot,
pulsing heat
I never knew I'd feel again.
Layers peel away against a stranger's bed.

Hold on,
wait a minute.
My past is fading,
and I'm not in it.
Leave some time to catch up to my mistakes.
Make new heartbreaks
to dull the pangs of old.

His fingers travel,
and in terror, I close my eyes.

__________________________________

I'm pretty sure poetry is allowed? I hope so, since I don't really have the time to sit down and write out any stories yet, let alone silly poems =/

Submission Form

There were a few minor errors on the old submission form. Please use this one from now on:

Fiction Writers Association

Submission Form for Writing and Artwork:

Name

Inducted (semester & year)

Check one: ___ Freshman ___Sophomore ___ Junior ___ Senior ___ Alumni ___ Graduate student

Current Address and Contact Information

Valid from to

Address

City

State ZIP code

Phone

Email

Submitted Work(s)

List the title(s) of all work(s) submitted with this form.

1. [Title]

2. [Title]

3. [Title]

Hello,

I just want to thank everyone who came to our meeting yesterday. I think it was a real success. Many of you have already sent us some wonderful submissions. I cannot wait till we have our finished product out in May. By the way, I created a group on Facebook for the club: http://www.facebook.com/home.php#/group.php?gid=53205873364 It's another great way to interact and keep in touch with our members. Thanks again for all of your support. Spread the word about the Quill and keep those submissions coming!

Best,
Sifat

First General Meeting on Wednesday 25, 2009

Dear members,
I sent everyone an email, including those who did not create a blog yet, but I want to make sure you all got the notice. Our first meeting will be on Wednesday 25, 2009 at 4:00 in room 1539 North Hall. You can find the room in club row. Please attend this meeting. As I said before in the email, I will be there from 11:55-5:30. I hope everyone is keeping club hours. This is a group effort, so show your support and hang out in the club room when you're not busy. Try to spend at least 1-2 hours there, even 30 minutes is fine. Any amount of time you can spend there shows how valuable you are as a member. You will be helping us keep this club alive.

On another note, for those of you are posting stories and replying to each other's work, thank you. I sincerely appreciate your efforts, and I will not forget what you have done thus far. Keep spreading the word, and enjoy the semester.


Best,
Rachel

Our Room

Hi members, we just found that our new room is 1548 (Club Row) in the North Hall. Whenever you're free and you're around the campus, please stop by! We will be getting a computer shortly. In the meantime, we're getting settled in the office. If you would like to study there or do homework, come by! We have chairs!


Best,
Rachel

set in stone. chap. 2

Kayla walked into P.S. 95 in a hurried pace. She was late as she made her way to the elementary school, due to heavy traffic. She walked straight to her son's first grade teacher as she witnessed the quiet scene. Kyle sat on a small wooden chair by the window. His teacher, Mrs. Turner, stood by the board watching him quietly. Hearing Kayla's foot steps, she drew her attention away from the quiet child.

"I'm so sorry, Mrs. Turner." Kayla started. "I had a meeting and traffic-"

"It's OK, Mrs. Mckoy." She welcomed Kayla's shook nerves with her warm smile.

"How was he today?" The teacher sighed and looked in Kyle's direction.

"Quiet, again. He did as he was instructed to do, but if it insisted of him talking or communicating in some way with other student's, he'd just shut down." The woman said with sincerity. Kayla sighed and felt hopeless. "Don't worry, Mrs. Mckoy. Children are known to jump back after these situations. Just show him that you're fine. If he sees that, then maybe he'll come around as well." She explained. Kayla smiled in response and called over Kyle.

Kyle stood up from his isolated chair and grabbed his book bag. His teacher patted him on the back and reminded about his homework. He merely nodded and led the way out of the building.


"So, how was school, baby?" Kayla asked. She and Kyle were now in her Ford Explorer driving home. They were in the mist of traffic as Kayla waited for the isles of cars to resume moving.

"It was OK." He shrugged. "We learned about dinosaurs. Mrs. Turner says that its science." Dinosaurs were Kyle's favorite subject. Kayla remembered how Deion use to take Kyle on trips to the museum and point out the many bones and artifacts. That all happened before he got sick.

He looked outside the window as he spoke. Kayla watched him through the rear view mirror and watched as her only child from the man she loved began to drift away.

"Really? So what did you guys learn about?"

Kyle shrugged again. "We learned their names and stuff." He sighed heavily. "I don't feel like talking anymore." Kayla shifted in her seat as she felt a tug at her heart. She wanted to reach out and console him, but how? What exactly can you say to a child who was clearly close to their now dead guardian?

"OK, baby."


"Hey, boo. How did everything go with Dr. Lyles?" Kayla finally made it home after a stressful drive through traffic. She sat on her king sized bed conversing with Kim.

"It was deep, as usual." Kayla paused. She looked at the many pictures of her and her husband that sat on top of their shared nightstand. "We spoke about how we met." She cleared her throat lightly and exhaled.

"At least you're talking about it. Just remember that this is good. It's for both you and Kyle." Kim coached. "Speaking of little man, where is he?"

"In his room. I'm about to start helping him with his homework."

"Oh OK. Well then, call me back when you two are done. Send him my kisses." Kim ended the call. Kayla exhaled deeply as she replaced the cordless phone back on the hook and made her way to Kyle's bedroom.


"Hey there, little man." Kayla beamed as she stood in the doorway. Kyle sat on the plush blue carpet floor, while he played his racing car video game. Kayla entered the room and sat on his twin sized bed. "What's that you're playing?"

Kyle sat silent for a moment and finally spoke up. "Rundown 3. Daddy's game. He taught me how to play." He never took his eyes off the screen as he spoke to her. He was more concentrated on the task at hand.

"Well, how about you turn it off? I remember hearing your teacher saying that you have homework." Pausing the game, he stood to his feet and obediently cut off the game counsel. Grabbing his book bag and retrieving his homework sheet, he explained that he already did it and just needed a toy to bring to school. "Why don't you bring one of your dinosaurs you got at the museum?" Kayla insisted.

Kyle stood before her quietly as he shook his head. A memory of his father popped into his head. "Daddy got me those. I don't want the other kids touching them." His eyes held the attention of the blue carpet. In his mind, this conversation was over and his homework was done.

"Well then, let's make our own dinosaur. We can finish the one you and daddy made or we can start our own." Kyle shook his head and quietly sat on his bed. If anyone was close to feeling as empty as she did when Deion died, it was Kyle. Not only did he loose his father, but he also lost his best friend. "OK. I'll call you when dinner is ready." Was all Kayla could say as she walked out of his room.

Forever Green

The red-golden sun was stretching his body and pulling himself up, starting to gaze through the broad window to look around. His curiosity astonished the roosters, who began stretching their necks; their lyrics started floating back and forth in the small town. At the foot of Carp Mountain, to the north, a huge piece of land was surrounded by a high wall. Within the wall, a few tall buildings stood in the lower and upper playgrounds. At the center was a small open stage flanked by two sets of stairs, where both playgrounds connected. Just a few feet away, behind the stage, was a ficus microcarpa. Its huge body was big enough to cover two basketball fields. Two major elephant-like branches reached to the sky. Many branches were almost covered by green moss. Bunches of brown roots from the higher branches hung straight down. In the treetop, sparrows were merrily preening their clothing and chasing each other back and forth.

After putting on his pants and shirt, he stood in front of a small mirror, combing his hair. While whistling a joyful tune, he grasped a plastic bottle and squeezed some gel in his palm to lift the front of his hair. He buttoned his cuffs and then quickly grasped a briefcase from a writing table and clamped it under his arm. After locking the door, he walked down the stairs in the right corner to the first floor. He reached the upper ground and directly went to a building a few minutes’ walk from his own. When he reached the second floor, he went into a room right next to the stairs. After entering the room, he placed his briefcase on a high table. In front of him were all familiar, innocent smiling faces, and the sound of chatting filled the small crowded room.

“Attention please. On this first day, I have some important announcements for all of you.”

Some were getting back to their seats, while others stopped their conversations and began to sit as still as crows.

“Welcome back to school, my class.” he said “This is going to be another crucial and challenging year. Are you ready?”

“Yes.” All the students responded.

“Good. I like to hear that. I can feel everybody’s confidence is increasing. But, don’t be over proud. Better take action instead of saying it.” He took out a small blue attendance book and said, “Now, let me see who is on my list.”

Reaching into his briefcase, he pulled out his fountain pen. Looking at the first two pages of the blue book, he started calling every student’s name. After taking attendance, he closed the blue manual and put it on the table.

“Time flies. Next year, all of you will graduate. Everyone will leave our dear alma mater and have a new period of experience in society. Many of you will go to either high school or technical secondary school. Some of you may not be able to continue another years of studying. But I hope everyone will do his best this year. Compared to other classes, including one of the top classes I teach, everybody has done a superb job over the past two years. As we often hear in one of the finest mottos: “It takes ten years to grow a great tree and one hundred years to cultivate a great person.” The motto implies that education is very important and takes time. Even though we only have one more year, there still is a chance to boost your grade level. If we can endure hardship and make an extra effort, it will pay off. Our class is not the top class in the school, but we can create the great miracle ourselves in the County Exam next year.”

After he looked at his students with his optimistic and encouraging eyes, he began to make his next announcement.

“The class will have the same structure as last semester. We have five student commissaries in the class, and I want to make a little bit of an adjustment. Because the President, Chen Yuan, moved to the top class last semester, Li Hua will take over her position and responsibility. The position of vice-president is assigned to Scholar Commissary Ma Jiang, and she will help the president take on some of the most important duties in the class. The Treasury Commissary, Lan Tian, will take over Ma Jiang’s duty. Our class needs an English commissary; I will discuss this with your English teacher. The Labor Commissary, Wang Wei, dropped out of school last semester, so we still need a person for his position.”

He began to look at each student row by row. Finally, he stared at a tall chunky student in the last row. All the students gradually turned around.

“Teacher, is anything wrong with me?” said Zhang Yao uneasily.

“There is nothing wrong with you.”

“Why is everyone looking at me?” said he with curiosity.

“It is because a great beam of light has come out from the back row, and we search for where the beam of hope falls.”

“Really? I don’t see anything. Where is the beam of light?”

“On you! Congratulations! From now on, you are the labor commissary and will share in the heaviest responsibilities of all.”

“Teacher. Please select somebody else. I don’t want to become a committee member or hold any other position in the class. Besides, I don’t have good grades.”

“Don’t say that. Everyone has his or her special abilities in different areas. The position requires certain skills. Although your academic achievement is not quite stellar, you have excellent leadership and communication skills. I have kept an eye on you since last semester, and I believe you will do a better job. Why don’t you give yourself a chance and try for one month? If you don’t like it after one month, we can renegotiate it, or I can assign the duty to someone else. What do you think?”
Zhang Yao hesitated for a minute and then nodded his head slightly, “OK, I’ll have a go, but only for a month.”

“Great. And I want you to assume another important position, the treasury commissary.”

“Teacher. I don’t want to have a hard time myself. Please pick someone else for treasury commissary. ” He pressed this issue.

“There is no better candidate. I want you to have two positions because these two positions are inseparable. The position is also very simple. You just collect and keep money. I believe that no one will dare to take money away from you. There is no doubt of that.”

While some students were laughing, Mr. Xia picked up the blue manual and walked to the first desk across from the lecture table.

“Lan Tian, please step outside with me for a minute.”

Lan Tian left his seat and walked outside of the classroom with Mr. Xia to the corner of the stairs.

“Lan Tian, could you please do me a favor?”

“Yes, teacher.”

“I need you to take attendance for this last year.”

“Teacher, can I ask a question?”

“Certainly.”

“Li Hua has helped you take the attendance since the first year. Why are you suddenly shifting this duty to me?” said Lan Tian curiously.

“I know what you mean,” said Mr. Xia. “Before Li Hua handed over the attendance book to me at the end of the previous semester, some teachers in the class came to my dorm and told me about the poor attenance rate. But when I looked at the book, it was not as those teachers said. So I have considered assigning this duty to someone else. Finally, I decide to choose you. I don’t know if you would like to help me?”

“Teacher. I am not sure whether I could adequately fulfill this duty. But I will try my best.”

“Excellent,” said Mr. Xia thankfully. “By the way, I think you have heard the news about the advanced program since last semester. Because there is a limitation, each class is only allowed to submit one student’s application for joining one of the top classes. Many teachers in the common classes have already handed in their students’ names to the school board. I want to recommend you. What do you think?”

“Thanks, Teacher. But I don’t know yet.”

“Don’t worry about the application fee. I can talk to the school board about it. But I will wait for your answer until the deadline. Let’s go back to our classroom now.” Mr. Xia smiled at him.

Lan Tian took the attendance book from Mr. Xia, and they went back to the classroom. After returning to his seat, Lan Tian put the book into his schoolbag. Mr. Xia walked to the corner where brooms and plastic dustpans were kept. He looked at the supplies for a second and then went back to his lecture table.

“I want everyone to submit five yuan to Zhang Yao for the class budget this semester. Please hand in the money this week. I will arrange for him to get new brooms and plastic dustpans as soon as possible. From today, two students, starting with the first row, will be on duty to clean the classroom after school every day at dusk. Zhan Yao will assign another two rows to carry out other school duties. As you know, last year the school board gave us a significant and particular mission. I know that everyone had endured much pain and effort in cleaning the bathrooms. This year, the duty will be taken over by other classes.”

When students began applauding, Mr. Xia continued, “But our class still needs to take charge of the teachers’ dorm and the small stage.” Students gradually showed their disappointment.

“From next week on, we are going to have the flag raising ceremony every Monday. Please wear your uniform; otherwise, you will get in trouble. Those of you who don’t have a school badge or have lost it, come to my “office” and get one for a yuan. Everyone can leave. All commissaries must stay for today’s meeting. Class dismissed.”
As the sun became tired of the day’s observation, he decided to do his task in cursory fashion and hurried down for another adventure. After the sun left, the moon gradually approached the center of the huge square. She grasped the edges of her skirt and danced in the center of the square. An audience of millions watched her with their admiring eyes. Crickets were chirping among tussocks. A breeze skimmed through the playgrounds. Its hands were gently swaying the branches of the ficus microcarpa, and every small piece of illuminant jade was carefully lifted up and down.

The fluorescent light was still turned on; the window next to the desk was still open. Both edges of the mosquito curtain were pulled away and hooked, and a piece of quilt was folded next to the corner of the wall. The cabinet to the right of the desk was filled with textbooks and other teaching materials. At this moment, the electric clock on the desk was buzzing. Mr. Xia began to pull his head up from the desk. After rubbing his temples and eyes for a few moments, he took his glasses from the desk and put them back on. He went to a washbasin, wetted his towel, and cleaned his face. As he walked back to the desk, he took out a water jug from under the writing table and poured hot water into an empty glass. After satisfying his thirst, Mr. Xia was back in his chair. He slightly bent his body, reached for one of the piles of notebooks on the edge of the bed, and placed it on the desk. Opening one of the drawers of the writing table, he picked up a small bottle next to a box of school badges and put it on the desk. After opening the lid, he dipped the point of his fountain pen into the bottle. After the fountain pen was filled, he screwed the lid onto the bottle and put it back in the drawer. He filled the margins of the notebooks with tiny characters. Next to his pillow, the second hand of the clock was striding.

***

“Tomorrow, we will continue our discussion of “Love of Life” by Jack London. Everyone should start studying his notes. The next test is on November 2, which is next Wednesday. Class dismissed.” He picked up his briefcase and went out of the classroom. After walking out of the main teaching building and reaching the lower ground, he decided to go to the school dinning room. Almost arriving in front of the stairs left next to the small stage, he turned away to his dormitory and saw a student pacing up and down in front of his dorm. After looking at his watch, Mr. Xia decided to go back his dorm first.

Almost reaching the second floor, he encountered Lan Tian on the stairs.

“Lan Tian?”

“Teacher,” said Lan Tian with a heavy voice, “There is something I want to talk to you.”

“Really? I would like to hear it. Please come to my room and talk.” said Mr. Xia, greeting Lan Tian with his smile.

After opening the door, Mr. Xia pulled up his chair and let Lan Tian sat down. While Mr. Xia went to pour a glass of hot water, Lan Tian opened his schoolbag slightly and tried to take out something. A second later, the glass of hot water was in front of Lan Tian. Looking at the glass of hot water and Mr. Xia’s smiling face, he withdrew his hand and took the glass from Mr. Xia.

“What do you want to tell me?” Mr. Xia sat down on the edge of his bed.
Lan Tian put the glass on the bureau. He didn’t say anything but started pulling the band of his schoolbag.

“Still struggling for the decision?” said Mr. Xia, “I think you should give yourself a chance. Since the first year, you have made an excellent impression on me. Even though you don’t talk much, you are one of the hard-working students in my classes. Last year, you made great progress, and your grade jumped from top the 100 to top the 80 at the same grade level in the school. I can guarantee you will improve your grade a lot if you come to the top class.”

At this moment, Mr. Xia’s stomach was complaining. While Lan Tian was laughing, Mr. Xia stood up and rubbed his abdomen.

“Sorry, Lan Tian. I think I have to go for my lunch. I think you need to go to your class now because this period has already begun. I would like to talk about it with you next time.” Mr. Xia said, “remember, I always have faith in you. And I will always leave a seat for you if you want it.”

Suddenly, warmness flew into Lan Tian’s heart and all the way through his entire body. He stood up from the chair and adjusted his schoolbag. After locking his door, Mr. Xia walked down the stairs with Lan Tian to the front dorm. Mr. Xia said goodbye to Lan Tian and then walked up the stairs to the upper ground. Gazing at Mr. Xia’s leaving and disappearing, Lan Tian took out of the blue attendance book from his schoolbag. He looked at the ficus microcarpa which was so familiar and graceful. It was waving and smiling to Lan Tian.

One afternoon, the sun blew his stack in the middle of the sky. The foggy atmosphere made it hard for people to breathe. Pieces of clouds started getting together to conciliate his insecure mood; the blue sky turned black inch by inch. After a few minutes, lightning bolts lacerated the heavy clouds. Drums pounded harsher and harsher into eardrums and hearts. Rain started pouring down.

Mr. Xia closed the window and went to turn on the fluorescent light near the door. He walked to his bureau and wiped up the dampened notebooks. A few minutes later, a man came into the room and started wiping with his hair and his shirt with his hands.

“Hello, Teacher Zeng. You are always too busy to visit my humble dorm. Why have you come all of a sudden with your nice suit? The sun must have rise in the west this morning.”

“Yes, it is unusual. Today for me it is also very unlucky. When I had almost reached the stairs to the dorm area, the heavy rain came ahead of the time. Look at my clothing. I am almost soaked through. When it rains, it pours.”

“Please sit down. Let me get a glass of water for you.”

“Thanks. I will leave in a few minutes because it’s almost time for my next lecture. I just want to tell you about a serious altercation in your class one and half hours ago.”

“What happened?” asked Mr. Xia anxiously.

“When I was almost finished with my physics lecture, before the period was over, Jiang Guo and Lan Tian collided with each other. I saw Jiang Guo slap Lan Tian, and then Lan Tian slapped Jiang Guo back. I immediately got involved to prevent a more serious confrontation.”

“What was the motive?” said Mr. Xia.

“Before they confronted each other, I saw Jiang Guo whisper to Lan Tian. Lan Tian gave him an attendance book. A few minutes later, Jiang Guo pushed Lan Tian’s elbow. I felt they had an argument over the blue book.”

“How was Lan Tian?” said Mr. Xia anxiously.

“After I asked them to sit down, Lan Tian put his head down on his crossed arms, and his body shivered. My heart went out to him. I really wanted to interfere, but I am not in charge of the class. How are you going to deal with the conflict?”

“This kind of behavior is not tolerable,” said Mr. Xia

Mr. Zeng looked at his watch and said, “I have to go, Mr. Xia. My next class has already started. Before I hurry back to my class, I have to go back to my dorm and get an umbrella.”

“Thanks for informing me, Mr. Zeng.” said Mr. Xia.

“You’re welcome. Lan Tian and other good students shouldn’t be treated that way.”
Mr. Xia walked with Mr. Zeng through the door and saw him out up to the stairs, he went back to his chair. Mr. Xia put his palms over his nose and mouth. He took a deep breath and sighed. His forehead was deeply wrinkled. Drops of rainwater continuously hit the window glass. On the ground, the ficus microcarpa swayed. The treetops were swayed severely and slashed by the downpour. Many jade leaves were torn and discarded all over the ground, and each piece was tainted by clay and dirt. Scared sparrows crowded together and quietly stayed on the tree’s shoulders.
The next morning, after returning from the school dining room, Mr. Xia put his textbook and other lecture materials into his briefcase and left the dorm. When he arrived at the front of the building, he went upstairs. The noises ceased when he reached the second floor.

“Stand up” the President, Li Hua, said with a loud clear voice, and then all the students stood up.

“Good morning, class.”

“Good morning, teacher,” the entire class replied at one time.

“Sit down, please.”

After all the students sat down, Mr. Xia placed his briefcase on the lecture table.

“Before the class begins, I want to remind everybody of something.” He emphasized, “The six commissaries are the backbones of the class, and each of them takes a different responsibility in class affairs.” He left the lecture table and began to walk to the back rows. “I do not want anyone to argue with these commissaries if they are on duty. Remember they do what I want them to do. If any of you is not satisfied with the work the commissaries have done, you can talk to me. But revenge is not permissible or forgivable.”

Reaching the end of the rows, he walked back toward to the blackboard and stood in front of his lecture table. Standing next to the front row, Mr. Xia glanced at the student who sat next to Lan Tian. And then he looked around the class.

“Jiang Guo. Leave your seat and come to the front of the room right now.” Mr. Xia spoke to the student who sat next to Lian Tian. Jiang Guo didn’t pay attention to Mr. Xia and turned his head to face the window, away from Mr. Xia. At this moment, the entire class became so noiseless that voices coming from the adjoining class could be heard. The atmosphere was getting oppressive and choky. Suddenly, a palm hit the lecture table. The huge sound overwhelmed the entire class, and all the students were startled.

“Didn’t you hear me?” Said Mr. Xia severely. “Right now!” Jiang Guo dragged himself from his seat. Before standing in front of Mr. Xia, he glimpsed Lan Tian. Jiang Guo put his hands into his pockets and looked at Mr. Xia.

“Tell me why you hit Lan Tian.” said Mr. Xia with anger.

“He minds my business.” said Jiang Guo rationally.

“How?”

“Every time I was late or absent, he always marked my name down in the blue book. I asked him to erase some marks, but he refused. Nobody has ever refused my asking this in the class. But he is the first one. So I gave him a lesson.”

“Don’t you know about the consequences?”

“Consequences? I’ve never heard about them in my life. No one would dare to touch me. Even the principal greets me when we meet. You are only a teacher coming from city. You better stay away from me.”

“I am in charge of this class, and everyone must follow my rules,” said Mr. Xia, “I want you to apologize to Lan Tian. Also, I want you to swear you won’t commit such brutality against others in the class.”

“What if I don’t want to?”

“Stand and face the wall in my class period for a whole week.” Mr. Xia pointed to a corner a few feet from his lecture table.

When Jiang Guo tried to walk away and return his seat, Mr. Xia pulled him to the corner. Jiang Guo tried to go back, but Mr. Xia turned him back.

“Get out of my way,” said Jiang Guo irritably.

“You can go back to your seat if you apologize for what you did. Otherwise, you have to stand and face the wall.”

“I don’t like following any silly rules, and I won’t stand and face the stupid wall. “You and the bullhead” – Jiang Guo pointed to Lan Tian- “cannot mind my business.”

Mr. Xia raised his right hand and fiercely slapped Jiang Guo’s face. All the rest of the students were shocked and frozen at this moment. They held their breath; their hearts beat faster. After putting his hand over his red cheek and scowling at Mr. Xia, Jiang Guo quickly went back to the corner. He grasped a broom and tried to pull the stick out of the broom head. He dropped the broom near his feet and grasped another one to pull again. After he pulled the stick out, he held it with both hands and tried to step toward Mr. Xia. Ignoring the broom on the floor, he tripped over it at his first step. He fell face down on the floor, and horrible pain prevented him from getting up right away. Some students in the front rows bent forward to see how he was. Jiang Guo slowly got up. He stroked his cheek, which was slightly scraped. With a lump in his throat, he ran out of the class.

After looking at the doorway for a few seconds, Mr. Xia picked up the stick and the head of the broom and put them together back in the corner. He walked back to his lecture table. He took out a sheet full of notes from his briefcase and turned to the blackboard. From the blackboard ledge, he picked up a piece of chalk. His hand was shaking. His fingers crumbed the piece of chalk. After standing for a while, he took another piece of chalk and started to write. His hand moved ploddingly, stroke by stroke; every character was carved into the board. Each time the piece of chalk clicked against the board, the sound was stronger and more lamentable.

Two days later, after the flag raising ceremony, Mr. Xia went back to his dorm. While he was preparing his lecture, the loud speaker urgently mentioned his name. Mr. Xia quickly put down his work, locked the door, and hurried to the lower ground. After reaching the third floor of the main building, he walked directly to a big room a few feet away from the classrooms next to the stairway. When he arrived at the door, he knocked on the door six times.

“Come in, please.”

Mr. Xia walked toward a man. The man wore a good suit with a tie and sat in an executive chair. After he saw Mr. Xia standing in front of his desk, he stopped writing and put down his pen.

“Have a seat, please, Teacher Xia.”

Mr. Xia pulled up a chair and sat down. The man closed his notebook and started look up at Mr. Xia.

“Teacher. Xia, do you know why I asked you to come to my office?” the man queried.

“I don’t know, Principal Li.” said Mr. Xia in confusion.

“All right. Let’s come straight to the point,” said Principal Li seriously, “Do you know who Mr. Jiang is?”

“Principal Li, are you talking about the man who donated ten thousand yuans to our school a few years ago?” said Mr. Xia.

“That’s right. He came to my office yesterday.”

“Is any school project going to be initiated?”

“No, they just came for their son.”

“Their son?”

“He is in your class. And he is called Jiang Guo.”

“Jiang Guo?”

“Yes. Jiang Guo. Mrs. Jiang complained to me. He is also disappointed in the failure in our school system,” said Principal Li wrathfully. “He said you beat up his son and suspended him for a whole week. He also hastened to me to undo this wrongdoing.”

Mr. Xia stared at his briefcase on his knees and kept silent. Principal Li picked up a glass of tea to satisfy his thirst, and then he continued.

“Mr. Xia, you have done an excellent job since you came to the school. I was so impressed by your devotion in the first three years that I decided to let you take charge of two classes in the fourth year. I also appreciated your dispassionate manner while handling students’ issues. But why did you fail to control yourself this time? Why…”

“Principal Li.” Mr. Xia interrupted him and paused for a few seconds. “I would like to accept any criticism and punishment.”

“Similar troubling affairs happened in past years. The school board would impose criticism. But your case is more troublesome. After a discussion with a few members of the school board, we have decided that you have to hand in a report a week from today. In the report, you have to explain how the violence happened. And you also need to indicate how to eliminate similar behavior and future violence. By the way, you are on probation from this moment on. Teacher Huang well temporarily take on your responsibilities. I may consider restoring your position based on your work. Do you have any questions, Teacher Xia?”

“No, Principal Li.”

“Excellent. And I am looking forward to your report.”

Mr. Xia left the room and went back to his dorm. After he was back in his chair, he picked up his fountain pen again and tried to finish his incomplete paragraph. After writing a few characters, the pen lacerated the paper. He tore sheet after sheet and dropped them all around the floor. He put down his fountain pen and took off his eyeglasses. He closed his eyes and leaned his back in the chair for a while. And then he put the few sheets of the notebook away, and took out a new one from one of the drawers. After he left his chair, he picked up all the crumpled papers and put them into a trash container. With his washbasin and towel, he went out of the room. He put down his washbasin beside a concrete sink and then turned on the tap.
Even though he was a great distances away from the giant tree, it seemed to be so close to Mr. Xia. The ficus microcarpa slightly let down its shoulders. Some dying back pieces were broken off. It was despondent and reticent. But in the embrace of the sunshine, the every piece of jade was alight and holding its eternity.

Editors: Prof. Adam Berlin (Eng 216) & Mrs. Annex & Mrs. Judith

A Heart of Gold

Leaning on the wall with one hand, Jing Tang quickly took off her sneakers and changed into sandals. Reaching the living room, she followed the scent of food to the kitchen.

“That smells good, Mom.” said Jing Tang.

“Go take a shower and then come back for breakfast.”

Mrs. Tang opened the lid of the pan and scooped out the food with a big metal spoon. When Jing Tang tried to take a piece of food with her fingers, Mrs. Tang swatted her hand.

"Ouch." She quickly withdrew her hand. “That hurts, mom.”

"If it hurts, then you should stop picking food up with your dirty hands!”

“Mom, let me help you carry the dish to the living room.”

“You better take a shower right now. I can tell you have been exercising.”

Jing Tang pulled up the edge of her shirt and sniffed at it.

“Hurry up!”

Jing Tang turned around and quickly snuck out of the kitchen. When she reached her room, she threw her headband on the table and then opened her closet. Fiddling with pieces of well-folded clothes, she finally pulled out a shirt. Jing Tang came back to the living room a few minutes later. She sat down and took a piece of pork with her chopsticks. Bending her head slightly to the right, she put the pieces of shredded pork into her mouth and chewed. As she held her bowl closer to her mouth and slurped the congee, she rested one of her bare feet on the edge of her chair.

DING DING DING...Mrs. Tang glared at Jing Tang and beat the brim of her bowl with her chopsticks. DING DING DING…

“What are you doing, mom?”

“Don’t you notice that?” said Mrs. Tang.

“Notice what?”

Realizing Mrs. Tang staring at her foot, she quickly put it down and fixed her posture.

“How many times have I told you? Girls never ever sit like that. I’m really tired of reminding you. Why can’t you showed some self-discipline?”

“I’m trying, Mom.”

“Oh, really? If you’re trying, why do you still do the same thing again and again?”

“Mom, could you do me a favor?”

“What favor?”

“The School’s Parents’ Meeting Day will be next Friday. Could you…”

“I’m not coming.”

"And why aren’t you coming?”

“I work every Friday.”

“Dad works in Virginia. He could make it, but it’s very inconvenient. You work in the city. And you can ask your boss for half a day off next Friday, can’t you?”

“Yes, I can ask for half a day off. But I don’t want to hear your teachers talking to me about your failures again. It is very humiliating to me.”

“Your daughter is progressing and doing pretty well in school.” Jing Tang interjected.

“Take out your report card and show me your improvement. Otherwise, forget about it. And stop talking about the affair in front of me.”

Jing Tang pouted.

“After breakfast, don’t forget to come with me to the laundromat.”

“Mom, I have an appointment with Hua later.”

“You can go and meet your friend whenever you want. But you have to help me carry the bag to laundry first.”

After breakfast, Jing Tang helped Mrs. Tang take the bag to the laundromat. When she reached the park, she walked toward a girl who sat on a bench reading a book. Noticing Jing Tang standing next to her the girl closed her book and put it into her bag.

“This is unacceptable!”

“What’s the matter, Hua?”

“You’re late again!”

“Really!?” Jing Tang immediately looked at her watch.

“I’m just kidding,” said Hua Li while laughing “But you are rarely on time.”

“How long have you been in the park?”

“Just for a few minutes.”

“What are you reading anyway?”

“It’s just a novel. The story is very interesting, and it is pulling me in.”

“Good for you! Books drive me crazy.”

Hua Li smiled and said, “Jing, is your mom coming to the school next Friday?”

“Just now, I discussed the parent’s meeting with my mom. She refused right away.”

“Why?”

“She wants to see my report card.”

“Why didn’t you show it to her?”

“Because…It doesn’t look nice.”

“What about next Friday?”

“I don’t think it’s a problem if my parents won’t attend the affair.”

“How bad is the report card this time?” said Hua Li.

“Forget about the report card. It’s going to ruin this entire beautiful day. Why don’t we get something to drink?”

“Ok, let’s go.”

They left the park and went to a bakery across the street. When they were in the store, they both ordered two cups of iced coffee. Before Hua Li could take out a five-dollar bill, Jing Tang quickly paid the vendor.

“Jing.” said Hua Li and glared at her.

“What’s wrong?”

“Take your money back and let me pay.”

“It’s okey. You can buy me a drink next time.”

“But, you already treated me the last a few times,” said Hua Li and then tried to hand over the five-dollar bill to her. “Take my money.”

“Don’t be ridiculous,” said Jing Tang. “Good friends shouldn’t argue over a little money, right?”

“Alright, but I want you to promise me that you won’t take a penny from your pocket next time.”

“Ok, I promise.” said Jing Tang.

Jing Tang took the change from the vendor and put it into her pocket. They took their drinks and sat down by the window.

“I know you don’t want to talk about your report card, but you should think of making some goals.”

“Goals?”

“You want to go to college after your graduation, don’t you?”

“I’m not sure.”

“Jing, you should start thinking about plans for your future.”

“What about you, Hua?”

“I’ll definitely go to college. And then I want to be a lawyer.”

“A lawyer! That sounds great. But that requires a lot of work, not mention a huge amount of money.”

“I can put in the effort. The great difficulty is the tuition.”

“How will you do then?”

“Recently I joined a company, and I’m going to work hard and save money bit by bit.”

“What company?” said Jing Tang.

“It’s kind of investment company” said Hua Li. “Why don’t you come with me to take a look?”

“No, thank you.” said Jing Tang and shook her head.

“Why not? You don’t have any goals for the future. Now, you have the opportunity to meet with people and get to know how they succeed. Maybe you will become interested or find some goal there.”

“Let me think about it.”

“Jing, don’t hesitate, come with me to the meeting tomorrow.”

“Hmmm...”

“Please.”

“Ok, I’ll go with you to take a look.”

“It’s great! I’m going to call tonight and let you know the schedule.”

“Cool,” said Jing Tang, “Where are you going later?”

“I want to go to the library. So, wanna e to come with me?”

“You know I don’t like reading. I’d rather go home and sleep or watch television.”

“Ok,” smiled Hua Li, “I’ll call you tonight, ok?”

“Sounds good!”

They finished their drink a few minutes later. Saying goodbye to Hua Li, Jing Tang left the store. After she reached home and opened her room door, Mrs. Tang was folding clothing next to the bed.

“Mom.”

“Listen! You are old enough. I can’t help you take care of your things for the rest of your life.” Mrs. Tang stopped folding clothing and looked at Jing Tang sternly. “I just cleaned your room three days ago. Why is your room still like a pig pen?!”

“Mom, you’re exaggerating.”

“Look at the dirty floor. Look at hairs behind the door. Didn’t you notice that?” said Mrs. Tang while looking at her.

“Hmmm…”

“Tell me!”

“Yes, I did notice that.”

“Ok, then why don’t you clean it?”

“I was thinking about cleaning it tomorrow.”

“Why not today?”

“Because I like chores on Sunday.”

“This is probably the worst excuse I’ve ever heard. Now, fold the rest of the clothing and then clean up the floor.”

“Mom, I’ll clean the floor tomorrow.”

“Listen! It’s not like playing the lottery. You don’t have choice to pick the other day to do it. You must clean up the floor today.”

“Mom, I promise you.”

“I don’t need your promise. If I don’t force you, you never finish your chores.”

Jing Tang pouted.

“Don’t give me your face like that.” said Mrs. Tang. “I’ll come back and check in an hour. If anything isn’t done properly, you’ll have trouble!”

After Mrs. Tang went out of the room, Jing Tang closed the door. She sat down on the edge of her bed. She bit her lip and clasped her hands. Quickly, among these clothing she grasped one piece and then pulled its corner harshly. She wished she could tear it into small scraps and either flush them down into the toilet or throw them out of the window. A few minutes later, she stood up and started folding her clothing.

The next day, when Jing Tang got up from her bed, she wrapped a towel around her neck and then left for Pier 17. She came back about an hour later and ate two slices of bread for breakfast. She then answered the phone and quickly rushed downstairs.

“Hey, Hua. I am sorry for being a little bit late.”

“It’s ok. I’ve gotten used to your lateness. I think you better go back to your home again.”

“Why?”

“Take a look at your shoes.”

Jing Tang looked at her shoes, each different from the other. “SHOOT.”

“Take your time. I don’t want you to mess up again.” Hua Li smiled.

After Jing Tang hurried upstairs and quickly came back, she and Hua Li walked toward the subway station. They reached the second street and then turned into a narrow path. Suddenly, they got a shock. A few feet away, an elderly woman with disheveled hair in tattered clothing lay near them on the sidewalk.

“Jing, let’s get out of here.” Hua Li tried to go back to the street.

“Wait a minute, Hua,” said Jing Tang and held her arm back. “Let me go and see what happened.”

“Jing, don’t…”

Jing Tang quickly walked away from Hua Li. As she reached in front of the woman, she bent down.

“Hello. Hello…”Jing Tang began pushing gently on the woman’s shoulder with her hand.

“Jing, we’re gonna be late.” Hua Li spoke up.

“Hua, could you come here, please.”

Jing Tang took the woman’s arm and lifted her up slowly.

“What are you doing, Jing?”

“We must carry her to a clinic right away.”

“It’s not a good idea. We better call 911.”

“We don’t have much time, Hua. Where is the nearest clinic?”

“There is one clinic two blocks away.”

“I carry her, and you lead the way.”

Jing Tang bent down and carefully put the woman on her back. She slowly stood up with her strength. Once she gained her balance, she rushed down the street. When they arrived at the clinic, Jing Tang carefully put down the woman. Jing Tang gasped and wiped away drops of sweat on her forehead. The doctor immediately took the woman to the emergency room. Hua Li held Jing Tang’s wrist and brought her outside the clinic.

“Jing, it’s time to go.”

“But she is still unconscious in the emergency room.”

“The doctor is checking her. She’ll be fine.”

“Can we stay here for a few minutes?”

“Listen, Jing. We have to hurry to our meeting.”

“Don’t you want to wait for her to regain consciousness?”

“Jing…”

“Please.”

“Ok. If you want to stay, you stay. I’ll see you later.” said Hua Li and then rushed to the exit of the floor.

Jing Tang wiped away her sweat with her sleeve and then went back to the clinic. She had a seat and clenched her hands tightly. Meanwhile, she kept her eyes on the room. After a few hours of waiting, the doctor asked her to come in. After a few minutes she began a conversation with the woman. Jing Tang asked the doctor’s permission and then walked the woman home.

When they reached home, the woman asked Jing Tang to have a seat and went back to the kitchen. A minute later, she came back with a dish of grapes.

“Have some grapes,” said the woman and put the dish in front of Jing Tang.

“Thanks, but I am not hungry,” said Jing Tang with her smile.

“Let me go to the kitchen and cook some noodle soup for you.”

When the woman tried to walk back to the kitchen, Jing Tang immediately stood up and held Mrs. Huang’s wrist, “Thanks, but I’m really not hungry.”

At this moment, Jing Tang’s stomach was murmuring.

“Please, just eat a few” The woman said.

“Hmmm…Ok.” Jing Tang smiled.

The woman came back to the living room with two bowls of noodle soup about half an hour later. After Jing Tang and the woman finished their noodle soup, Jing Tang helped her do house chores and then the laundry. It’s was late in the afternoon. She said goodbye to the woman, and she promised to visit her again during her free time.

When Jing Tang arrived home, she quickly changed into her nightgown and laid down on her bed. Before she started snoring, someone knocked on the door. Jing Tang pulled herself up and went to open the door.

“Hua?” said Jing Tang.

“Why didn’t you pick up the phone?”

“I’m sorry. I just came back home.”

“Come on. Change your clothing quickly. Let’s go to the second meeting. It’s getting late.”

“Hua, can I make it next time?”

“Why?”

“I’m so tired now.”

“You’re still mad at me for not staying with you and the woman, aren’t you?”

“Of course I’m not. I spent my entire afternoon with her. And I also helped her with chores. I’m really exhausted.”

“I understand. You just want to stay where you would like to be. I shouldn’t have asked u to come. I’m sorry for disturbing you.” Hua Li turned around and started to walk away.

Jing Tang grabbed her hand and said, “Wait, Hua. Give me a second. Let me go to my room and change my clothing.”

“Forget about it. I don’t want to force people to do anything. From now on I’ll never call and ask you out again.”

Hua Li brushed her hands away and rushed downstairs.

“Hua. Hua...”

Jing Tang really wished she would come back. But, her footsteps were getting weaker and were finally no more. Jing Tang felt like her heart had been torn apart. She hit the door and then began counting as she struck her head on the door. Hua Li’s words gradually played back in her mind. Her eyes were getting red, and drops of tears fell from them.

The next morning, Jing Tang got up from her bed and turned off her alarm clock. Grabbing her schoolbag, she rushed downstairs. After she entered the school building and started to climb the stairs, someone called out to her from behind.

“Miss Tang.”

“It is a stroke of luck,” Jing Tang murmured and then turned around. “Good morning, Mrs. Johnson.”

“Good morning, Miss Tang. The first period has already started.”

“I know. I should have come to school earlier. But my alarm clock was not working this morning. Oh. It’s getting really late. I think I better go to my classroom now.”

“Hold on, Miss. Tang. There is one thing I think I should let you know. This piece of news may be a sudden shock for you.”

“What is it, Mrs. Johnson?”

“Next semester, you’ll take the same math course again.”

“Why?!”

“Your math teacher came to my office last week. He showed me your grade on each tests and your attendance. It’s really…”

“I don’t want to take the math class again! I’m going to talk to him now!”

“Please calm down, Miss Tang. I can understand how you feel. Whatever happened just let it go. Don’t....”

Jing Tang turned around toward another set of stairs.

“Miss Tang, your classroom is not that way.”

“If he is going to fail me, then why should I waste my time in his class?!” Jing Tang started to breathe heavily and went directly to the library.

During eighth period, Jing Tang went to the cafeteria. After getting her food, she slouched at a table. She took her plastic fork and began to eat a few minutes later. At this moment, she recognized Hua Li who was two tables away. Jing Tang stood up and began to make her way to Hua Li.

“Hey, Hua.”

Jing Tang put down her tray of food and then sat down next to her.

“Hua, this morning Mrs. Johnson told me…”

Hua Li stood up and dropped her empty plastic tray into a trash can. Without saying anything to Jing Tang, she hurried out of the cafeteria. Jing Tang took a deep breath and held back the tears in her eyes. She picked up her plastic fork and twisted it with as much strength as she could. She threw her food into the trash can. After she grasped her schoolbag, she walked downstairs and left the school. After a few minutes of walking along Pier 17, Jing Tang sat down on a bench facing the sea. At this moment, a white-haired old man sat down next to her.

“How are you?” said the man.

“I’m fine.”

“I think I recognize you.”

“Really? But I don’t think we met each other before.”

“Don’t you run along the pier morning on weekends?”

“Yes, I do.”

“Perhaps you haven’t noticed me. But I usually come to the pier and fish.”

“Ok.” Jing Tang lowered her head and twisted the sleeve of her jacket.

“You don’t look well today.”

“It’s just...” Jing Tang choked up, “You wouldn’t understand.”

“I’m a stranger, so I don’t know what was going on. But I hope everything will be better soon.”

“If I tell you, can you promise me not to tell anyone else?”

“I promise,” The man raised his hand as if taking an oath.

“I feel I’m a loser.”

“Why do you say that?”

“My mother was angry at me for not following what she said. My math teacher failed me because my poor attendance and grade. I’m really a good-for-nothing.”

“You shouldn’t jump to such conclusion. People were brought into the world with their own values.”

"What values?”

“The value is something that benefits others in the society. Some people have many; others have a very few.”

“I don’t have any value at all. And I just hurt a good friend yesterday.”

“What happened?”

“Yesterday my good friend Hua and I...”Jing Tang said to him. “…She left the cafeteria without saying one word to me. Maybe she still hates me for not going to the meeting with her because of the woman.”

“My grandma was a very prestigious person in our village. When I was your age she often used the motto-dig up your gold, rub dirty off, and let it shine! In the beginning, I didn’t understand what it meant. But when I saw how villagers respected her, I finally figured it out.”

“What is it?”

“Everybody is born with a heart of gold. As time passes it had gradually been covered by something. Many people didn’t even notice that. Even if they did, they didn’t try to do something about it. I’m glad yours hasn’t been covered. I still can feel it is shining.”

“Really?”

“Yes. It’s a great value to society.” The man smiled. “Would you like to help me to catch some fish? I’ve been at the pier most of the day, and my bucket is still empty.”

“I’d like to. But I don’t know how to fish.”

“It’s not difficult. Let me teach you.”

The old man picked up the fishing pole that leaned against the guardrail and gave it to Jing Tang. Under the old man’s instruction, Jing Tang stepped back a few feet away from the guardrail and then cast the fishing pole. After throwing the fishhook was a great distance, it sunk into the seawater. Standing and holding the fishing pole for a while, Jing Tang tried to relax her shoulders. At this moment, the string gave a sharp jerk.

“Now, pull it in!” said the old man.

Jing Tang began to pull the string. The old man came over to help. Finally, the man dragged up a big fish, unhooked it, and put it into his plastic bucket. She bent and watched the fish exultingly.

“What are we going to do with the big fish?” the man asked.

“I don’t know.” Jing Tang still kept her eyes on the fish.

“Have you ever tasted salt fish?”

“No,” she turned around. “Does it taste good?”

“Sure does. But it will take me a few weeks to prepare it. Why don’t you help me catch more fish, so I can prepare my specialty dish, sweet and sour fish, for you?”

“Ok.” Jing Tang smiled.

She stood up to cast the fishing pole again. This time, the barb was thrown much farther away. A few feet away from the string, a leaf was moving with the illuminant and blinking golden dots danced on the waves.

Editors: Prof.Berlin Adam(Eng 397) & Prof. Hoening & Mrs. Annex &
Winston Wang & Justin

The Paper Crane

Qiang ran in the anterior roofed inner courtyard, dragging and bestriding a broom. A few rounds later, he stopped in front of a two-foot high threshold and left the broom on the ground. He put his hand into his pocket and carefully took out a paper crane. By leaning against the threshold, he raised the paper crane over his head. His one hand pinched one corner of the crane, and the other hand gently pulled and pushed the tail. The paper crane was being joggled and seemed as if it were coming alive, flying in the sky. There was nothing happier for Qiang than a thing like that.

While he played with the paper crane, a wail from a room next to the other threshold suddenly came though the entire courtyard. He lost his grip a bit. The paper crane fell down onto the ground. He carefully climbed over the other side of the threshold to pick it up. After that, he climbed back to the inner courtyard and quickly ran toward the room. He stopped in front of the door. A few feet away, an old woman was slouched on the edge of the bed. Her white hair straggled over her shoulders. While wailing, she kept swaying the old man on the bed.

Qiang put the paper crane back into his pocket and strode over the doorsill.

“Grandma. Grandma…”

He called while standing next to her.

At this moment, Mr. and Mrs. Wang entered the room. Mrs. Wang quickly picked him up in her arms and rushed out. They reached a tile-house outside the courtyard. When they came to the bedroom, she carefully put him down on the floor.

“Mom. Grandma is crying.”

She quickly turned away to wipe up tear from her eyes.

“Why can’t grandpa hear her?” Qiang asked.

Mrs. Wang turned around to him and then said, “Qiang. Mom is going to take a look at grandma. You stay here, ok?”

“I want to help grandma wake grandpa up.”

“Won’t you listen to what mom just said?!” Mrs. Wang raised her voice.

He pouted.

“Mom will be back soon.” Said Mrs. Wang.

She stood up and then hurried out of the house. Qiang sat down on a stool alone, playing with his paper crane. A few minutes later, the wail was getting a little bit louder. He quickly stood up. And he went out of the bedroom. Standing next to the doorway, he stretched out his head. Out of the courtyard, some neighbors gradually came out of their house and gathered in front of the threshold. Four people carried logs of fir to the outside of courtyard. Putting each chunk on a pair of trestles one at a time, they took out their hatchets and started trimming. Pieces of fir were chopped onto the ground. The smell filled the atmosphere, stirring the stomach. Qiang covered his nose and went back to his stool.

Trimming stopped about an hour later. Then there came with the strident wail noise all at once right after a firecracker went bang. Qiang immediately hurried to the doorway. The four people and chunks of fir were gone. There were no more pieces of fir, but some scraps of explored firecracker on the ground. A crowd stood in the front of the threshold. Qiang ran toward the inner courtyard. After he burst through the crowd, he was frozen. A few feet away, Mr. Wang and Qiang’s uncles lifted the old man up from the bed in the corner of the courtyard. The old woman burst into a loud wail. She was grasping one corner of the old man’s clothing, trying to pull him back. Mrs. Wang, with her tears, was dissuading her. When the woman eased her hand, the old man was carried quickly toward the bier and then put onto it carefully next to another threshold. The four people carried the pall to cover the bier, and they took out their hammers. Taking out pieces of iron wire nail, they started hammering.

Qiang dropped his paper crane on the ground and climbed up the threshold into the inner courtyard. He quickly ran toward the bier. When he reached one of the four people, he grasped a corner of the person’s clothing and kicked the person’s leg.

“Get away from my grandpa!” he shouted.

Mrs. Wang let the woman go wailing by the bier. She immediately went to Qiang.

“Qiang, stop!”

“Mom, these are bad people. Grandpa can’t stay in the box.”

“Grandpa is too tired. And he needs to take a long journey.”

“No. Grandpa won’t go anywhere. He promised me to give me a lot of birds.”

“Listen, Qiang. Go back to the house.”

“No.”

Mrs. Wang caught Qiang’s fingers and tore them from the person’s trousers and pulled him away. She picked him up and hurried out of the courtyard toward the house. Qiang shouted and jolted in her arms.

“The bird. The bird.” He pointed at the twisted paper crane.

Mrs. Wang went back to threshold. She picked it up and put it into his pocket. When they reached the bedroom, she put him down.

“Mom, I want grandpa.”

“Qiang.”

“I want grandpa.”

“Qiang,” she wiped her tears and said, “Mom must go take a look at grandma now. Will you stay in the room until mom comes back?”

Silent for a minute, he nodded. Mrs. Wang gave him a hug and then rushed to the outside of the courtyard. Slouching on the bed for a few minutes, he fell asleep unknowingly. Mrs. Wang came back to the room with a bowl of rice and two dishes of food at dusk. She woke him up and fed him. She helped him to put on a piece of white band, white shirt, sackcloth, a bit of red fabric, and flax-made sandals. After that, she put on her own and then brought him out of the house.

Reaching the inner courtyard, they went to another threshold behind which the bier sat. Qiang stood next to Mrs. Wang. At the side of the bier was a table. After lighting up three incense sticks and inserting them into a can of sand, she picked up a bowl of rice and chopsticks from the table. She began to cry and turned around, facing the bier. While she held the bowl and chopsticks, she called the old man for a meal. Mr. Wang in his sackcloth was wailing on another side of the bier across from the table while he kneeled down on a thick layer of grass. At the head of the bier, the old woman slouched on the threshold wailing. The old woman’s three daughters in tears were throwing pieces of ‘paper currency’ into the firepan. The smoke dashed out with embers; it stung the eyes.

A few minutes later, Mrs. Wang put down the bowl of the chopsticks on the table. She took Qiang outside of the courtyard.

“Mom needs to stay with grandma until late tonight. Qiang should go back to the house and be ready to sleep earlier by himself.”

“Mom, grandpa will come back soon?” Qiang asked.

She bent down and put her hands in his shoulders.

“Grandpa knows Qiang is a good boy, so Grandpa likes Qiang a lot. Qiang likes grandpa too, doesn’t he?”

Qiang nodded.

“You know, grandpa might get lost during his journey…”

He looked directly at her.

“and he might not be able to return. But he will keep an eye on you, no matter where he is.”

“You’re a liar. Grandpa will come back! Grandpa will come back!”

Qiang brushed her hands away. She held him in her arms tightly. He pulled Mrs. Wang’ hair and smacked her back. Tears were rolling in his eyes and then drops started flushing.

“Grandpa. Grandpa.”

He kept calling until his throat got hoarse. Then he fell asleep in her arms unknowingly. Mrs. Wang carried him back to the house and put him on the bed.
In the inner courtyard, pairs of couplets were posted to pillars. Each written character set down its shoulders, standing next to each other in order. On the middle of the crossbeam, the bulb lost a bit of its ardor. A small stage was put up and decorated with holy figures in front of the bier. On the tables were sutras, a wooden knocker, a bell, earthen bowl, cymbals and a gong. One of three monks lit up three long incense sticks, made three bows to all the figures, and then inserted them into a three-leg container full of sand. While reading the sutras, they picked up their own instruments and played. The sound echoed back and forth in the noiseless village until late into the night.

The next morning the monks had left, and the stage was also removed. Qiang ate a few spoons of porridge and then came to the inner courtyard with Mrs. Wang. When he reached the courtyard, some people carried wreaths outside toward the alleyway. Mr. Wang gave the old man’s portrait to Qiang. Qiang held in tightly. He stared at the portrait for a long time. Mrs. Wang picked him up and put him in her arms. At this moment, Mr. Wang and seven other carriers helped tie a long column to the bier from the head to the tail. Four sticks were equally paralleled to each other and crossed with the column. Each person clutched an end of a stick and then bent down to put them on their shoulders. As they carefully stood up, three benches were immediately removed from underneath the bier. Striding over thresholds, they carried the bier outside the courtyard toward the alleyway. The old woman’s daughters supported her walking next to the tail of the bier, and mourners with sackclothes followed behind. Mrs. Wang stood a few feet away in front of the bier, holding Qiang in her arms.

One person held the gong with one hand, walking in front of the people who stood in lines with wreaths. He raised the truncheon with the other hand to strike, accompanied with cymbals, flutes and clarinets behind. A group of people in uniform started to play bugles, drums, sousaphones, and an accordion. The entire line moved toward the street. Pieces of yellow round paper with a hollow square in the middle were cast toward the sky and then spread about on the ground. Firecrackers were beating the ground.

The entire line stopped at the corner of a broad street. People started to walk out of shops. They crowded each other, gazing around. Kids moved around among the throng, holding with pieces of the yellow paper. Their eyes were scanning the sight. Some were running, bouncing, and flourishing around the procession of the bandsmen. A few feet away from Mrs. Wang, a few people were whispering and laughing to each other, and they started to point at the portrait. Qiang glared directly at them and held his gaze held. He began to hold the portrait tightly to his chest. At this moment, a huge rolled firecracker and was lit up a great distance away from the entire line. The ground was getting thumped. Every beat stamped with fury and swayed the small village. Eardrums were being flapped; hearts were being knocked. A minute later, the beat stopped. The entire line kept moving on. The choking smoke cloaked the procession and the people around; it overwhelmed the street.

The line stopped at the side of Carp Mountain. Mr. Wang and the other people carried the bier toward a hill. Mrs. Wang, the old woman and her daughters followed behind. Wreaths were abandoned on the side of the road. The mourners took off their sackclothes and began to leave. An hour later, Mrs. Wang carried Qiang alone back to the house.

“Qiang, give me grandpa’s portrait.” She said.

He kept holding it tightly in his chest. She bent down and put her palms over his shoulders. After she looked at him for a while, Qiang slowly removed his hands. Mrs. Wang took the portrait out of the house and came back a few minutes later.

“Qiang, are you hungry now?”

He shook his head.

“Mom needs to go out to help your dad to do something, but won’t take too much time. Qiang won’t go anywhere, right?”

He nodded.

Mrs. Wang left the house. Qiang stood there alone for a few minutes. Suddenly, he hurried out of the house and ran toward the inner courtyard. He climbed over the threshold. When he reached in front of the old woman’s house, he stopped. The door was closed.

“Grandpa. Grandpa. Grandpa…” He called again and again while knocking at the door.

Qiang was exhausted and then walked away. He slouched on the threshold and took the paper crane out of his pocket. Its head was distorted; one of the wings was scratched. Qiang blew dirt away from the paper crane and then tried to right it with his hands. Poring over the paper crane for a while, he put it on his palm and then clung it to his chest.


Editors: Prof. Berlin Adam & Mrs. Annex

Breakfast

Dad left the jeep running in the morning for us. We had problems with the car before, but I don't think he ever knew how much mom stressed over it. Antifreeze frequently leaked, leaving behind liquid lime-green puddles on the pavement; the sweet-burning smell was overwhelming. The hood didn't trap the odor. Mom warned dad about it, but he didn't really care; it wasn't his car. She already had a headache.
“Your jeans are dragging,” she said, tossing her tote up and around her shoulder.
“It's not a big deal. I'll just pick em' up.”
“You're gonna drag them all over in the subway. There's shit and piss on the floor. Look at that. You're stepping on them too.”
I looked down. I was stepping on them. The frayed edges were snagged. I pulled the jeans up a bit, and mom measured the length with her eyes.
“It's fine.”
“Go put on a belt. I'll wait for you,” she said, jingling her keys.
“No, I'm already late.”
“What, did I buy you a belt for nothing?”
“It's fine. I'll just pick em' up.”
“Yeah, it's fine when it's not your money. Those jeans were expensive,” Mom said.
“You didn't even buy them.”
“Que jodes, get in the car.” Mom pointed to the jeep with her coffee mug.
She clenched her teeth, jerked her head and squinted. I pulled my backpack in front of me. The sweet-burning smell of antifreeze surrounded us.
I forgot that it was Friday. It was her Friday, the last day she would work at First Rehab Life Insurance before leaving for Zurich. She spent twelve years in an office with Pattie, a harlot, Cathleen, the woman who wore brown everyday, and Carom, a not-so-charming wife who painted her nails at work and made disturbing phone calls to an agency about her husband's greencard. Mom came home everyday at four o'clock and washed dishes in front of a kitchen window that framed a green bird-feeder and our neighbor's house. The feeder was always empty. The birds never came. She watched our neighbors drink mojitos.
“Last day at work, huh?” I said, facing the glaring windshield.
“Yeah.”
“How do you feel?” I wished that I had never asked the question, remembering that I asked her the same thing the night before. Mom didn't look at me. She rubbed her forehead with her left hand and closed her eyes briefly.
“Indifferent,” she replied. It was the same answer. She drove past Cunningham Park. The trees, on both sides of the road, outlined the asphalt border; they formed Corinthian columns. Leaves became natural pediments, branches made lintels and bark created an artistic frieze. I wanted her to see it. I wanted the car to stop. But before we could halt, Mom floored it, escaping a flashing yellow light. Cunningham was behind us, and the seat belt kneaded the skin around my collarbone.
“Have any regrets?” I said.
“No.”
“Really?”
“No,” she answered, slurping drops of coffee on the edge of the mug.
We heard everything in the car. Rubber wheels slapped the asphalt, noisy vents whistled and metal rattled. My brother's graduation tassel swayed listlessly, hanging from the rear-view mirror, between us. Thin strands of orange and blue blew in the opposite direction; I tugged on the tassel. She looked at me. I let go. And when I watched her painfully clench her teeth again, she focused on the cars in front of us and gripped the steering wheel with both hands; the sleeves of her blazer pulled back, exposing her bare-white wrists. Mom exhaled. I rested my face against the window and exhaled too. I watched her glass reflection, and I waited for her to say something. She kneaded the tough leather wrapped around the wheel. We felt that invisible momentum die down around the car; we halted. The car rested.
“I'm sorry about the jeans,” I said.
“Not now.”“Mom.”
“What?” she asked.
“Forget it.”
“What?”
“Nothing. Really, it's nothing.”
“What?! What is it? Something wrong with David?”
“Nothing Mom. No es importante,” I said, tugging the seat belt.
Whenever we fought, she brought up David. My brother lived his life in a fantasy world, filled with first shooters, aliens and dead space mysteries. At one time he thought his name was Gordon Freeman, a science fiction character who reminded me of Stephen King, only Freeman was better looking than King. He was designed that way. Everything close to fiction resembled David's life, and he loved it. I wouldn't blame him. The vicarious David was the brother I always knew—not the chubby kid I grew up with, playing basketball at St. Luke's and sharing buggy punches with in the car.
We passed all the colonials, capes and Obama-Biden signs down Midland Avenue. She stopped the car.
“Did you eat? Did you have breakfast?” she questioned, without looking at me. She curled her back and faced the rubber floor mats.
“I'll get something in school.”
She exhaled.
“What?” What's the matter? I'll get something in school. It's not a big deal.”
“It's never a big deal. It's the last day, and it's never a big deal.”
I faced the window, watching her glass reflection, hoping it would do something different. She reached inside her bag and pulled out a granola bar. She held it out, and I reached for it. The plastic casing crinkled; her fingers barely touched mine.
“Adios,” Mom said.
“Yeah.”
I stepped out and slid my saddle bag behind me, pulling the strap around my shoulder. The car turned the corner. The blue jeans sank below my waist. I forgot it was a Friday. It was her last day, and it smelled of antifreeze.

Spring 2009

Hi everyone, please keep posting more of your stories and poems onto the main blog and your own blogs as well. We hope that your next semester will be successful, and, if you can, spread the word about the The Quill in your classes and amongst your friends. We need as much support as we can get. Depending on the amount of submissions we will receive and the budget, the journal should be released in May or June. If you would like to help out with the administrative work for the club at John Jay, please contact Sifat or Rachel. Our first meeting at the college will be arranged soon. Keep posting your fiction.

Best,
FWA

set in stone .

this is an old story that i wrote a year ago. i'm contemplating on whether or not i should finish it or not. idk. it's just a thought and i just wanted to post something for you guys. enjoy.


Kayla stood before her husband's lowering body. She held her six year old son's hand as he cried feverishly for his father. Silent tears streamed down her face as promises of forever ran through her mind. She held her son's hand tighter as she felt him shift into her, allowing him not to see his father's coffin.

Everyone was here. Friends, family, co-workers and even neighbors. Everyone came out to watch as another great man lost a battle with life. Everyone came to pay their respects to a man that they were grateful enough to call their friend.

Kayla was ignorant to the graceful words the preacher expressed. Even he too shed a few tears as vast memories of marrying the happy couple danced in his mind. No one would expect this from a hardworking, honest man. No one.

Kayla closed her eyes and kissed her husband's imaginary lips as she whispered her final goodbye. With a swift movement of her left hand, she wiped away her sorrowful tears and made way for new ones. She was now crying for him. She knew he was happy now. Cancer would no longer take a hold of his incredible lungs and take away his last breath that was meant for their farewell. He was no longer suffering. Cancer may have won the battle, but he has won the war.




Summer of 2001

Kayla shifted in her seat as she sat outside her building on the red chipped wood-painted seats. it was summertime and extremely hot as Kayla tried to sit patiently on the uncomfortable bench. She was accompanying her elder sister as she awaited for her date to arrive. Along with him would be company for Kayla, who she has only spoken to on the phone occasionally.

"When are they coming?" Kayla asked as her patience ran low.

"Any minuted from now. They should be some where around the block," Kim, Kayla's sister, answered. Kayla slouched into the bench as boredom and frustration began to fuse together. "There they are." Kim beamed.

"Thank God." she remarked.

Kim stood to her feet, smiling, with welcoming arms as her boyfriend of three months walked inside the tall black gates. Kayla stood as well, fixing her jean shorts and running her fingers through her coarse medium length hair. She wasn't expecting to see what walked behind her sister's 'other half'. Astounded by his big brown eyes, smooth brown skin and tall fit figure, she felt like a fool in only walking out in a pair of jean shorts and a measly forgotten top. She touched her hair again out of nervousness.

Kim kissed her boyfriend sweetly on the lips and waved at his friend. "Matt, this is my sister, Kayla. Kayla, this is Matt." Kayla smiled at the young man and seemed nonchalant towards his friend. "And this here is Deion. Deion, this is my sister Kayla." Deion outstretched his hand to shake. Kayla glanced at him and soon redirected her attention to her sister. Feeling rejected, he retrieved his hand.

The four sat outside of the building for awhile and soon stepped into their building for reasoning of the increasing heat.


In the stairwell, Kim and Matt sat on the fifth floor, carrying on a conversation, leaving Kayla and Deion alone. Kayla shifted on the cold marble steps as she felt Deion's eyes on her.

"What?" Deion grinned at her.

"You have really nice legs." Kayla ran her hands up and down her long limbs and thanked him for the compliment. "I mean, they are nothing like mine." He pulled up his pants leg and revealed his hairy legs. Kayla busted into laughter. "I haven't trimmed them in awhile. I guess it's about that time." He laughed.

Kayla laughed a little more as she slowly began to get comfortable. "See, that's what I like. you have such a pretty smile." Blushing slightly, she looked away as he admired her high cheekbones and flawless skin.

"So what about you?" Deion scrunched up his brow. "Like, we all know Mat is the college football star. What about you? Do you hold any title?"

"Nope, none at all. You?" Kayla shook her head. "Are you in school?"

"High school senior."

"Senior? Congrats, I'm a sophomore in college." Kayla tallied up the years, Two years apart. She saw no room for this relationship.

"Deion, you ready?" Matt's deep voice interrupted. Deion watched Kayla sensually as she picked at the invisible dirt underneath her nails.

"Yeah." He stood to his feet and dusted off the back of his jeans. He soon held out his hand for Kayla to hold as she stood. She accepted.



"So, is that how the two of you met?" Kayla, now 25, nodded her head. It's been a little over a year since Deion's death and it is still taking a toll on her. She can no longer concentrate on her huge loss, but now on the upbringing of her son. Seeing Deion suffer destroyed her. She now sits in front of a therapist in hopes that she can help her move on. "How long was it until the two of you began dating?"

"It began the same night. I remember because my favorite show was on and it just so happened to be Deion's favorite as well. Kim gave me Deion's number in hopes that I would ask him to help me pick an appropriate college, but we all know that wasn't the case." Those priceless memories caused Kayla to smile. She was smiling, she never felt that good. Ever.

Kayla looked at the miniature grandfather clock that sat on Dr. Lyles' desk. "I have to get going. Kyle is getting out of school soon." She stood and retrieved her bag from the empty seat adjacent to her. Dr, Lyles stood up, bidding her a goodbye and scheduling her another appointment.

Old Sister

The leather strap of my Home-Line's knapsack, stitched in yellow thread, cut off the circulation in my left wrist, rubbing the skin when the train jolted along the freestanding tracks. I wanted to go home, but the Seven halted by Rawson; the metal cars cooled down. A women fell asleep on my shoulder; she smelled of garlic potatoes. The train pushed forward. That rough momentum kicked the subway cars, and someone coughed.

I wished for Citi Field to appear, showing me empty seats and a plain brick surface that only opened in one corner for a green diamond field and future loose home runs. The cars shook, and a white guy tripped; his crotch slapped a woman's face. She looked disgruntled, but he looked pleased. The train moved passed 74th street Broadway.

A corner of Shea was visible in the window framed car door near 111th street. When I was a kid, I sat in the bleeder seats next to my dad, chubby ball park lovers, and happy cracker- jack-kids who couldn't afford to sit any closer to the field, but who would want to sit any closer when the Mets lost to the Phillies? I was worried about birds dropping bombs from above. I folded my arms around the cotton candy, looking every which way in the sky when line drives were hit, bases stolen, and the crowd roared--I missed those eventful moments with dad.

Citi Field sat next to its dismantled sister, an old sister. The seven pulled away, heading into main street, closer to him. I could smell the cotton candy.

"Yes We Can"

Just like Barack Obama, even though we haven't changed the world yet, we can finally say that the Fiction Writers Association can chant "Yes we did" create the journal's first blog, and it will, a few months from now, change John Jay College. This has been prolonged for too long, but at least we're one step closer to our first publication. Congrats to JJay's writers, and many thanks to the professors who supported us when we were just an "idea" in 2007.

FWA