Living Beyond the Reality by Ken Smith

Living Beyond the Reality

Tammy Chen 1

Words Checked: 5703 Words in Oxford 3000: 89%

I KNOW I WILL NEVER FORGET HIM, THOUGH EVERYTING ABOIT HIM IS JUST A PERFECT DREAM… 2

Contents  About the Author…………p. 4  Chapter 1…………………….p. 5  Chapter 2……………………p. 11  Chapter 3……………….......p. 18  Chapter 4……………………p. 25  Chapter 5……………….......p. 30  Chapter 6……………………p. 33  Chapter 7……………………p. 40

About the Author My name is Tammy Chen. I was born in the flower city of Taiwan, Changhua. I am studying at Wenzao Ursuline College of Language in Kaohsiung, Taiwan. The thing I like to do most is smiling. I like laughing like the popular cartoon character- Sponge Bob. I want to move north after graduation, and also get a job. Whether you like this book or not, I am telling you as soon as you begin reading it, please be patient and finish it. Thank you for your advice in advance. Now, are you ready to read the book?

Chapter 1 The alarm clock always starts to cry at 6:00 a.m. I get up, and it takes 30 minutes to get ready for school. After having breakfast with my mother and my younger brother, Steve, I leave home and go to catch school bus No.28. The morning in Kaohsiung City is always foggy. It seems that everybody is so busy that they wouldn’t refuse to have a little break until getting to their destinations, and so am I. Sometimes, due to my bustling life, I need to use this short interval to study for tests. “ Una, time to wake up!” called Cassie, my best friend. She is one of the most glamorous girls in our school. Every time we walk into school, even the male school dog would blush. “Do we have any tests today?” “Didn’t I remind you last night on the phone?” “Gosh, don’t tell me it’s Mr. Smith’s quiz.” 5

Cassie shrugged and padded my shoulder slightly. “No worry. It’s not your first time!” At 8:00 every Wednesday, I have to try my best to go through this. Mr. Smith is famous teacher in our school. Students like him, except for me. It’s not because of him but the quizzes from time to time. Again, after he gives our papers back, I need to prepare a great explanation for my mother. At lunch time, Cassie and I like to share our lunchbox together. Cassie has a big interest in cooking, so she wakes up early to make her own lunchbox. I still admit she is a good cook though I skipped the rest of my classes because of stomach-ache last time. “Cassie, you must help me with Mr. Smith’s quiz next time.” “No sweat! Since we are best friend,… I can’t eat any more. Do you want to eat the egg?” 6

“Sure, have you ever considered which college do you want to go to?” “Of course National Taiwan University, and I want to study law. And you? ” I look away, pondered the question for a while. “I haven’t made a decision yet, perhaps I will get a job after graduation.” “Never give up studying. You will regret if you don’t go to the college.” Ding-Dong, Ding-Dong…, after a few tiring classes, we strolled into the music classroom. Cassie and I have been together in Pop-Music club since we were freshmen. I have learned to play the keyboard and guitar, but Shawn said my forte is singing. Shawn is the leader of our club, and he is popular with girls in school. Even Cassie agrees he is a good-looking guy. “Listen, I’ve got something to tell you. There will be a music competition at the end of this semester. I hope all of you can join. By the way, the reward is not bad,” 7

announced Shawn in glee. “Do you want to try?” asked Cassie cheerfully. “Of course I do” “Dear Una, count me in,” Shawn suddenly exclaimed. “Sorry, we’ve got enough people,” I replied. Shawn never loses any opportunity to approach Cassie and me. I guess he is trying to get Cassie’s attention. As Cassie’s best friend, I wouldn’t like her to date such a “player”. “Oh, you broke my heart, “freckles”. I love your terrific voice very much.” “Thanks for your compliment, Mr. Kiss-up. Cassie, let’s go.” “Well, I think Shawn is a good guitarist. Maybe… ” said Cassie. “I’ve got to go. Let’s talk about this sometime later, bye,” I said in hurry, or I would be running to go to my part-time job. “Sunny Day” is the restaurant where I work, and the owner, Ms. Martin, is not 8

only my boss but my good friend. She successfully runs the restaurant by herself after her divorce. And once I am perplexed or upset, she can always give me the best advice. I hope one day I can become an independent woman like her. When I first became a waitress, I realized that it wasn’t just a piece of cake. I have broken countless plates. And I remember once I even fell down and cried in front of guests. Fortunately, Ms. Martin encourages me and teaches me a lot, so that I have been working here for almost 1 year. “Don’t hurry, haste makes waste,” said Ms. Martin gently when I rushed in. After putting on my uniform, I kept working until 9:00 p.m. “Well done, Una. How was your day today?” asked Ms. Martin. “Not bad, but I failed my quiz again.” I replied resentfully. “Well, when I was a student, I thought all the teachers were the incarnation of 9

devil.” “Maybe they really are,” I giggled. “All right! Cheer up, little girl. Go home quickly, it’s late.” And take some cake back if you want. It was almost 10:00 when I arrived back home. My mother and Steve were sitting in the living room waiting for me. “Welcome home, sweetie. You look exhausted. I think you have better quit that job,” said my mom. “Mom, just believe that I can handle it, okay? Steve, I brought you some chocolate cake today. Help yourself.” “Thanks, but I’d prefer to have it tomorrow. I am on a diet,” replied my dear brother. He always tries harder than me to keep in good shape. After having a hot bath, I usually study until 12:00. However, I felt like sleeping when I sat in front of my desk. So, I went to bed earlier. Before I really fell asleep, an unusual feeling came suddenly to my mind. 10

Chapter 2 This was the most spectacular place I have ever seen. I knew I was in a dream as soon as I opened my eyes. The snow scene was in my sight for the first time since I was born in a warm country. It was much more beautiful than I thought. The sky, the trees, the ground were all white but stunning. While I was still fascinated with the incredible beauty of nature, out of nowhere, someone grabbed me. And then, instead of yelling out, I was attracted by him at first sight. “I have been waiting for you for so long,” said the boy gently. “Excuse me? Do I know you?” I asked, puzzled. I have never met any boy who has such pure blue eyes. “You don’t, but you will,” he replied with a forlorn face. “I know I am in dreams, and people don’t remember their dreams when they wake up, so…,” he interrupted me. “No, you aren’t just in a dream. You 11

are in my world. Let me show you more,” he said grabbing my hands and walled away. I followed him because I was curious that, besides snow scene, what else would appear in this dream. “What’s your name?” “I’m Ziv.” “My name is Una. Where are we going?” He chortled, “You are going to love this. We are almost there. ” Suddenly, as if we stepped into another place, where we stood was the middle of a sea of flowers. Butterflies and bees were flying around various kinds of flowers. The extreme variations in temperature made me feel faint. “Una, I think you need some rest,” said Ziv nervously. “This is the most wonderful dream I haven’t had! Everything is so vivid, just before my eyes.” Ziv grinned, “If you want to come 12

here, you are always welcome.” Then he picked up a bunch of Limoniums for me. “Hey, how do you know I like Limoniums?” I asked, startled. “They told me,” he said fingering the flowers. “So you can speak with flowers? How about with butterflies and bees? ” “The butterflies want me to say hello to you. They are all my friends.” “Well, hello there,” I giggled. Some butterflies flies around us. I made a wreath of flowers for Ziv. “I am so happy you are here,” happily said Ziv, but his voice faltered to the point that I could hardly hear him anymore. “I’m afraid we’re running out of time, would you like to come again?” “I would,…” everything before in front of me turned into a blurry image. It’s like some magic power was all out of work. I felt kind of lost until I fainted. Someone was knocking at the door impatiently. “Sweetheart, open the door! You are going to miss the bus!” shouted 13

my mom. “Hum…where’s my clock?” I muttered, and then found it broken on the ground. “Damn it! What’s the time?”I said hurrying into the bathroom; changed my clothes as quickly as I could. I finally got to the classroom. It was already 8:30, and my very first time to be late. I lumbered toward my seat. The teacher kept writing on the blackboard. I felt relieved that he seemed unaware of my late arrival. At noon, I couldn’t believe I had forgotten to bring my lunchbox. What a day! “Hey, you were acting goofy today. What’s wrong with you?” Cassie asked worriedly. “Well, I had a dream last night,” I explained biting my bread. “Huh? What was it about?” “It was amazing. A boy named Ziv brought me traveling around. I saw snow, 14

and a sea of flowers.” “Sounds great!” “Yeah, I wish the dream could have lasted longer.” “Then you would have missed whole day of classes”, said Cassie. The rest of classes went on as usual as well. As we walked out the classroom, Shawn emerged and called us. “Hello, ladies. I have already signed up our band for the competition.” “What? ” I wondered. “Una, sorry for not telling you first, but others are not really into this, except for us,” explained Cassie. “Fun, I guess we are going to lose.” “Never underestimate me, freckles. I am great at guitar,” cried Shawn, making a face. “We’ll see.” After saying good-bye to Cassie, I went to work. There were so many guests in the restaurant today. I didn’t even have a minute to breathe. When I saw the hour 15

hand pointed at nine, I almost cried out. What’s a relief! “You looked grumpy today, what happened?” asked Ms. Martin. “Today has not been my day. I was late for class for the first time.” “Hmmm…that’s not a big problem. Everything is worth the try.” I laughed, and nodded. “Ms. Martin, I had a dream last night. The boy in the dream seems to understand me very well.” “That’s interesting. Maybe the dream wants to tell you something.” “Well, I don’t think so. It was just a dream, but it was the best one I’ve ever had.” My mobile abruptly rang. “Hello?” “Honey, I won’t be home tonight. Can you help me wake Steve up tomorrow morning?” said my mother. Every time when my mother is on business, I have to get up earlier to force my brother to get out of his bed. Steve always sleeps well wherever he is. Even if he had five alarm clocks in his room, it was not going to 16

work at all. “See you, Ms. Martin.” As I got home, I asked Steve to go to bed immediately. Later, due to my tiredness, I gave up studying today, and set the clock. Before I fell asleep, there were two things coming to my mind. Though it can’t be possible, I wish my dream could bring me to the wonderland again. The other thing is I hope the clock will wake me up tomorrow morning; otherwise, I am going to have a day off.

Chapter 3 I opened my eyes and rolled, surprisingly, Ziv was smiling at me. Behind him, was the bluest sky I have ever seen. I sit up, and the breeze touched my face gently. “Where are we?” “On the shore. I love seeing the sea and stretching to the horizon. ” “Me, too. It’s been a long time since I have last seen the ocean.” I remember the last time I went to Chijin was in junior high school. Chijin is not far from my home, but I am just too busy to go. What a pity. “Ziv, I am so glad to be here again. But, it’s just like a miracle. I mean, it’s not reasonable to dream of the same person the very next day,” I wondered. “Because it’s you, Una. I like you, and I want to be your friend.” “Aren’t we friends already? Give me some dab,” I giggled. Ziv grinned, “Shall we take a walk? Later we can see the sunset.” 18

I nodded. We walked around the seaside. Suddenly, I saw a seagull falling down from the sky. I ran toward it. “Its wings are bleeding. We need a first aid kit,” I cried. “I can get it in the house over there.” “Let’s take it with us. We’d better hurry.” I carried the injured seagull carefully. Fortunately, the house was nearby, and then we dealt with the wound and dress it. “Poor Mr. Seagull, you are supposed to stay in the hospital for a while.” I said while stroking its feathers. “I will look after him, don’t worry.” Ziv padded me lightly. “I guess you are in no mood for watching the sunset.” he said with disappointment. “Since I was a kid, I like animals very much. But my mother doesn’t allow me to keep pets.” I tried to alter the topic of the conversation. “That’s a pity.” “If I had had a dog to accompany me after my parents got divorce, my 19

childhood would have been much jovial.”I said, several unhappy memories appeared in my mind. Ziv put his hands on my shoulder, “From now on, we won’t be lonely anymore. Wherever you go, I will be with you. I am really happy to have such a kindhearted friend like you.” “I am glad to meet you, too. Thanks for bringing me here.” I replied cheerfully. Then I heard some noise outside the room. Again , I felt faint and weak, as if I was going to disappear. “Una, I hope we can have more time being together. I want to tell you…” Ziv’s voice became so vague that I can barely hear it. I woke up as I realized my alarm was ringing desperately. Then I walk to Steve’s room. I was startled to discover that Steve was not on the bed. His backpack was not on his chair, either. It seemed Steve have already went for school. “Jesus made it, Steve got up by himself today!” After getting everything ready for 20

school, I called my mom. “Mom, I’ve got a good news for you. Steve got up himself earlier than me.” “Good to hear that, are you going to take the bus now?” she asked. Her voice sounds very tired. “Yep, I am going to school. See you at the night.” “Don’t forget to wear more, honey.” Gee, I had a feeling today is a wonderful day. The bus stopped in the front gate of my school. It’s great to be on time. While Cassie and I were on the way to our classroom, we ran into Mr. Smith. “Good morning, Mr. Smith.” we greeted him first. “Good morning, girls. Oh, I almost forget to ask you to come to my office during the break.” he looked at me seriously. The bell rang, our Chinese teacher promise us to see a movie today. It was a romance movie, the genre I usually don’t care about. However, this movie was really a bomb. Many people sobbed when the main actor watching his lover dying in 21

his arms. At the break time, I knocked at the door of Mr. Smith’s office. “Come in.” shouted Mr. Smith. With anxious emotion, I opened the door and walked in. “It’s you, well, do you know why I ask you to come?” I shook my head. He continued, “I know you do concentrate on this course, and you have never been absent, either. But…” He cleared hit throat, “ I don’t understand why you failed all the exams, but the result is, you are going to failed this course.” After heard the bad news, I was frustrated. I left the school. I can’t help myself crying my eyes out as I got home. Cassie came to my home after school. Out of sudden, Shawn came, too. “Are you okay?” asked Cassie. I nodded but I didn’t know what to say. “You look terrible, freckles. Stick it up your arse! What wrong with you?” said Shawn. 22

“I failed Mr. Smith’s course.” I muttered. Cassie passed some tissue papers to me. “Yo, silly. Don’t waste your tears. Is grade so important to you?” Shawn frowned at me. “Shut up, why the hell are you here? To laugh at me?” I really can’t put up with his behavior sometimes. “I just come here to schedule our practice time.” “Shawn, why don’t you take a hike now? I think we shall talk about this in the lunch time tomorrow.” Cassie said. “Okay, that’s fine with me. See you around.” After Shawn left, Cassie and I finally have our time to speak our heart out to each other. It’s great to have friends. About 6 o’clock, Cassie left. I called Ms. Martin for taking a day off. Then I spent some time to cook dinner. It’s been a long time I haven’t had dinner with my family. However, Steve didn’t come home until 23

10:00, and my mother sent me a text message to inform that she won’t be home these days. Weirdly, I had a feeling that something is going to happen. Two weeks passed by, my life was fuller than before. Cassie, Shawn and me practiced for the competition on weekends. The name of our band is “Zebra”, Shawn named it. He said that our music is simple but special, just like zebras. I changed my perspectives on Shawn afterwards. He is actually a reliable, helpful person, and we get along well. My mother didn’t come back until last Friday. She told me her company has financial problems, so everyone is busier now. Steve came home late, too. His basketball team was going to join the district match. The best thing is, Ziv and I meet every night in the dream. We travel to many beautiful places and also his glamorous castle. But I wondered sometimes why Ziv never talked about himself more. He knew me well, but I didn’t even know where he’s from. 24

Chapter 4 “Father” is a thing I didn’t understand very well, since my father died when I was little. The only thing I knew about my father is that he loves us deeply. I was very upset the day my mother brought him back. “Sweetie, this is Uncle David, ” exclaimed my mother. “You know…we are going to get married.” “Mom, what are you talking about?” “I am sorry I lied to you. I should have told you earlier.” “So you weren’t on business? It’s only a perfect excuse so that you can date with him all night and ignore us?” I cried angrily. “Una, I just didn’t know how to explain to you. Just hear me out…” “Leave me alone, I don’t want to see you again.” I rushed in my room and shut my door. Several hours later, Steve was back. He knocked at my door. “Sis, I have something to tell you.” he 25

took a deep breath and continued, “I have known it at the very beginning. But mom told me she wanted to explain to you herself. I think you have to consider more for mom.” “So what? Are you going to accept the new father?” I said resentfully. “You don’t quite understand it’s not our decision. Whatever you do won’t change their love.” “What I know is she betrayed us. I am going to leave this dump!” I shouted. “It’s up to you. Anyway, I am with mom, good night.” replied Steve indifferently and left. I wanted to see Ziv, when I was with him, I can put all trouble away. Only he can bring me out of the reality. I cried until I fell asleep. It’s the blue ocean. Once I had a bad day, I would wake up at the beach. Ziv said the ocean has a magic power to remove terrible emotions. We sat on the beach for a while, silent. He was waiting me to start the conversation. 26

“Ziv, if my father were still alive, everything would be fine. I don’t need to get a part-time job. My brother would have someone to play basketball with. My mother wouldn’t cry every night…huhuhu” “I understand, but what’s done, it’s done. Una, you have to face that.” said Ziv gently. “Haven’t my mother loved my dad and us anymore? Is she going to leave us?” “I cannot answer you. Love is a complex riddle, but I think she won’t leave you.” “If a person can fall in love twice, is there still true love in the world?” I asked, puzzled. “It’s open to question. I would help you ask Jesus the next time I see him.” Ziv whispered at my ear. I smiled, and then looked the waves come and go. My sadness has gone with them. “Ziv, can I stay here several days?” I 27

still don’t want to go back and face my family. “Be my guest. You can stay as long as you wish,” Ziv replied. So we went on a travel by balloon. The scene on the balloon is extremely unbelievable. Some birds of passage flied with us. At nights, the moon in front of us is so big as if we could touch it. “I am so glad to travel with you. Ziv, after these days, I still have to face my problems.” He nodded, “I believe you can handle it, my dear.” “I don’t know how to get through this without you,” I hugged him close. “Be brave…” his voice faltered. As I open my eyes, I saw my mother sit by my bed. She looked woeful and regretful. “Oh, thank god you finally awake. Honey, you have slept for three days.” she cried. “Hmm-mm, give me some water.” I mumbled. 28

“Do you need another day off?” “No, I am fine and I have to go.” I went to school in the afternoon. Cassie kept questioning me. I can’t come up with a good explanation, so I lied. “Una, I can’t understand why you are lying, but remember, I am always by your side,” Cassie said and left. After school, I went to “Sunny Day” before the work time. Ms. Martin was preparing the food. “Kid, nice to see you.” she greeted to me happily. I took a deep breath, and said “Ms. Martin, I come here to quit the job.” “I knew. Una, promise me to visit me from time to time. I will miss you very much.” I hugged her briefly. Life still goes on, the only difference is, I spent more and more time being with Ziv. I did this not only to avoid meeting my family, but also because of the less enthusiasm about the reality.

Chapter 5 “Vanessa, are you sure to do this?” asked Rio worriedly. “It’s his destiny. I don’t have any other choice.” “But I am his father, I have right to raise him.” “That’s not your call. He must obey God’s ordinance.” She pretended to be indifference, but her heart was bleeding. “Maybe we can leave the heaven. I will do everything…” “Enough. Just let it be.” she cried mournfully. A baby was abandoned in this exquisite castle alone. No one knows who his parents are except Penny. She was ordered by her master to take good care of this child, and also keep everything in secret forever. Several years passed by, Penny left. The little boy spent his childhood by his own. However, he would own this fantastic place. This kid is Ziv. It’s hard to say exactly how much time had passed, one day an unexpected visitor 30

came. “Do you like here?” an old man in white robe appeared suddenly. “I like this place, but I feel so lonely.” said Ziv sadly. He continued, “I don’t know why I am here.” “That’s the reason I come to you. You are one of the guards of Wonderlands,” the old man explained, “You will meet several people afterwards, and help them find out the meaning of their lives. But you must remember one thing, you are not human.” “I don’t understand what you are talking about,” Ziv said with a confused face. “It needs time. Here is a mirror which can help you understand human more. I am leaving,” stated the old man. “Who are you? Where can I meet you again?” “That doesn’t really matter. Good luck, Ziv.” Then the old man vanished. Time flies, Ziv have met countless people who lose their directions of life. He 31

found out human is an animal with many different kinds of emotions, and he is absolutely unlike them. He have ever not smiled until Una appeared. He loves her. Thatâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s the truth, however, Ziv donâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t dare to admit it. He is afraid of losing her.

Chapter 6 It’s almost the end of the semester, and the music competition is also coming soon. Everyone is busy practicing, but Una haven’t show up in school for more than two weeks. Cassie and Shawn were very worried about their mutual friend, and they went to whichever places Una may go, however, they still fail contacting to her. Una’s family was also looking for her. She seemed to disappear in this world. “Shawn, next Saturday is the competition. I really don’t know…” Cassie broke down and sobbed aloud. “The most important thing is find Una back. I don’t even have the chance to tell her my love.” Shawn tried hard not to cry. One is Una’s best friend, and one is a boy who adores her so much. They really can’t lose her. In the living room, Una’s family have already contacted with the police. Una’s mother and brother sit on the sofa waiting for someone. 33

“Mom, it’s 10:00 o’clock. Sis might come home soon.” whisper Steve slightly to his mother. She has cried every night since his sister left. Steve looked at his mother, depressed. He is also worried about Una, but he is sort of angry that she left without saying. “Steve, go bed now, you have to go to school tomorrow.” “Mom, it’s been two weeks, you’ve to cheer yourself up.” “I know, I know, but I couldn’t forgive myself.” “It’s not your fault, and I believe Sis will come back. She is just on a trip.” “I should have cared more about her feelings.” Una has been with Ziv for a period of time. She doesn’t even notice how much time has passed. The life in the dream is so careless and joyful that makes a person forget where he was from. “Ziv! Where are we going now?” called Una excitedly. 34

“Hum…, how about the golden lake?” “Where do you live? Would you like to invite me to visit your family?” “I live alone in a castle. You won’t want to go. It’s only a lonely and boring place,” answered Ziv awkwardly. He seemed to hide something intentionally. “A castle? I’ve never seen a real castle. But if you don’t like me to go…well, forget it!” Una tried to disguise her disappointment. She likes this mysterious boy very much, but there’s always an invisible wall between them. “Ziv, how do you dare to say you are lonely? I am with you now, right?” Una makes up an angry face, but soon they both laughed out. “Let’s go. You are the first visitor of my castle,” exclaimed Ziv. When they finally arrived, the unbelievable glamour of the castle almost makes Una fall down. The castle is made of golden and silver brick. Around it are numberless flowerbeds. Its windows are colorful as a rainbow. What a fantasy 35

building! “Wow! This castle is much more beautiful than the one I image,” cried Una surprisingly. “Welcome to my castle, Una.” Ziv held Una’s hand, and they walked in. Inside the castle, totally different from its outward appearance, is decorated with modern furniture. Light yellow wallpaper makes people feel warm. There’s a little bar situated in the dining room. “Which do you want for drink, coffee or tea?” asked Ziv. “Coffee, Ziv, how lucky you are to live in this exquisite castle!” Una said. She watched Ziv fill up two cups of hot coffee. “Yeah, I have almost everything, but…but loneliness bothers me all the time.” Ziv gazed at coffee in abstraction “Uh-Uh, not now!” Una waved her hands to attract his attention. “Hey, how about watching some movies later? You must have DVD player in your room.” Ziv nodded with a gentle smile. After 36

they finished their coffee, they watched Pixar’s latest movie “Up”. It’s about dreams and adventure. While the movie was still playing, Ziv fell asleep. Una looked at Ziv’s face carefully. He is like an angel, so pure. She thought, “I met Ziv in my dream, what’s about Ziv’s dream? Am I there in his dream, too?” The movie was over. Una observed the bookcase in Ziv’s room. There are many different types of book, and Una discovered a special one. She took it out, and then realized it’s actually a mirror. It’s sort of weird to put a mirror in books. As Una took out the mirror, some images emerged. She saw a person in her room, and it’s her mom. She looks thinner and older than usual, and she was looking Una’s photo album. The images changed, Una saw her closest friends, Cassie. She was eating the lunchbox, alone. Una found suddenly there was one more lunchbox that Cassie prepared for her. Suddenly, Una burst into tears. She never has this feeling so strong. She misses her family 37

and friends so much. After a while, Ziv woke up. He was worried that Una wasn’t here. He quickly walked out the room, and then he found Una on the sofa, weeping. “What happened, Una?” Ziv passed some tissue papers to her. “Ziv…, I saw the mirror…I miss my family and my friends so much…” she cried miserably. Ziv hugged Una, trying to comfort her. Actually, Ziv didn’t want Una to see the mirror, so he hid it in books. He knew Una will leave him forever if she discovers the mirror. “Una, listen, you have to make a decision now. Go back to face your life, or stay with me permanently.” Ziv hesitated, and said, “I want you to stay because… I love you.” Una wasn’t able to react for a moment. She doesn’t know what to say. Ziv kept talking, “I am not human, and so I rarely have emotions. However, since I met you, I recognized happiness, sadness, and also… the sense of love, but it’s not 38

allowed…” They stared at each other in silence. “Ziv, I love you, too…but they need me, I must go back to the reality. Can’t we meet any more?” Una’s eyes were full of tears again. “Whatever you decide, I am on your side, and please don’t forget me. I am always beside you.” Ziv knows this time is the real goodbye, but he doesn’t say it out. He wiped Una’s tears away, and hugged her, and then kissed her affectionately. Goodbye my Love…

Chap 7 “The champion is … let’s congratulate Zebra!” announced the host cheerfully. Shawn, Cassie and I were laughing in tears. I will never forget the day we stand in front of people and present our own music. At that night, Shawn, Cassie and I celebrated our victory in “Sunny Day” together. Ms. Martin cooked her signature dishes for us. We chatted, laughed, sang until mid-night. “Kids, happy time always passed by quickly, it’s late. You had better go home now,” said Mr. Martin. So we said good bye to Mr. Martin, and went home respectively. When I arrived home, my mother came and gave me a big hug. From her anxious expression, I knew she had have been waiting for a while. “Sweetie, welcome home. Happy to see you,” said my mom. “Mama, why didn’t you go to sleep? I promised you never left home again, so you don’t have to wait for me,” I worriedly said. 40

She shook her head slightly with a smile. In the living room, Steve was still watching TV. “Sis, congratulate for your band’s victory!” “Thanks, how’s your basketball team?” “Not bad! Our cooperation is proving,” cheerfully said Steve. “Una, Steve, do you have time tomorrow night? It’s been a long time that we haven’t had a family meeting.” asked mom suddenly. “Of course I have time then. Steve , and you?” “No problem! So where are we going?” Steve questioned excitedly. “You will know the answer tomorrow night. Kids, it’s time for bed.” My mom kissed us, and she went into her room. Steve went to sleep several minutes later. And I lied on my bed after having a hot bath. Before I met Ziv, sleeping time is the most wonderful time for me in a day. Now, however, I can’t even sleep sometimes. I 41

missed Ziv very much, but I have never met him since the day I left him. Every day I wish he will emerge in my dream again, nevertheless; my memories about him seem so untruthful as if the dreams were all my hallucinations. I am afraid of forgetting him, so I started writing. I wrote down our stories. I wrote several letters, and sent them to the Wonderland. Thereâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s no reply, but I still keep writing because Ziv has already taken away the very important part of me. The deepest place in my heart will be empty until the day we sit on the most beautiful shore together again.

Afterwards There are many great love stories remembered by people, and the romance between human and nonhuman creature is rare. However, Zivâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s story is well-known in Heaven, since he decided to give up all he owns, the Castle, and permanent life for his memory. The cruel fact is, once Ziv falls in love with human, the God will come, and take away all his memory. How could he forget Una while she will miss him in her lifetime? He became ghost, living in a jar. A ghost cannot do anything, one thing he can is to think of their wonderful memories in the dream, and that is enough.