EDGE issue 4

The Voice Within

Ten helium balloons floated in the air, like iridescent fishes kissing the surface of the water. Bubbling, bubbling and bubbling. A large colourful banner—’Happy Birthday to our beloved Chelsea!’— covered one side of the room and became the wall itself, forming a striped pattern of yellow and crimson. Loaves upon loaves of fluffy toys were scattered on the floor. Among them, a Hello Kitty stood out— towering over everything else, including you and me. Uncle Leung knew he could never get rid of it, due to Chelsea’s love of this particular Japanese icon—partly, not mostly.

Ding-dong! He opened the door, and a flow of chit-chat— from appropriate parenting styles to hectic workplace experience to insurance of all kinds—immediately flooded the apartment. Basic greeting: handshaking, gracious smiles, cheek-kissing.

Amidst this bubble of joviality, a little princess in a baby-pink dress appeared like a budding rose. Her tousled hair reflected her childlike wonder and playfulness. Here was Chelsea—so angelic and pure.

‘My lovely and gorgeous Chelsea! Happy birthday to you!’

Auntie Tang exclaimed in delight in her high-pitched voice.

Chelsea blushed and gave a ravishing and sweet smile. She ran to her toys and hid behind the Hello Kitty, which almost covered her whole body. Holding it in her arms she peeked shyly at everyone— Uncle Leung, walked towards her with a vigorously pounding heart.

He knew it—of course; he knew he had to comfort his daughter and show paternal support by all means. Holding Chelsea in his arms, he felt the weight—as heavy as the Hello Kitty toy itself.

‘Let’s party now!’ He announced. Food was placed on the dining table—curry fish-balls, a bowl of spaghetti, meat balls, pizzas, fries, hash browns, chicken wings.. Music rang and confetti fell from above, grazing Chelsea’s forehead—fell with the hysteria that stirred the atmosphere again. ***** 34