by Max Howell
“A Chinese-Australian-American.”
“That’s right, a Chinese-Australian-American. It is so verified.”
On the following Saturday Wei-min was welcomed by other members of the family. It was all a very emotional occasion, and Wei-min was asked to speak. He told the story of his grandmother and her everlasting love for Lieutenant Pride and showed the framed photograph and her ring to them. They were not only overjoyed and surprised, but a few tears were shed as well.
After Wei-min had finished, Mr. Pride got up and said: “I have to say just one additional thing: Wei-min, this is to let you know that you are now an official member of the Pride family. Around you now are your uncles and aunties, your cousins and nieces.”
Wei-min bowed, the tears flooding his eyes. He straightened himself up and replied: “I am most honoured. This is what my grandmother would have wished for.”
That night they walked along the Manly esplanade, watching the waves roll in and out. Helene took Wei-min in her arms, and said: “This has been a wondrous day, Wei-min. You have now been re-united with the other side of your family. I like to think this love ring brought us here. It has been our lucky charm, a talisman, pointing us to where we should go.” They both looked down at the ring. They had indeed come full circle. His grandmother’s dreams had been realized.
Wei-min wondered whether the ring indeed had magical qualities or, simply, was the ring but a part of their pre-ordained fate? They would never know, but he knew for certain that the ring was indeed a love ring. He sighed as he looked down at it, then at Helene, and took her in his arms.
He kissed her and whispered: “I love you, la belle Helene, my beautiful Helene. I love you.”
