by Shinn A. H.
“…er…I don’t know what to say…” said Kellie, scrambling for the words to explain her actions. Should she tell him the necklace around her neck was Anguo? It would relieve some of the burden, but her gut continued to urge her to keep it confidential.
“I thought I could find some answers about myself before we left Taiping Monastery forever,” she lied, partially. “And Jake and Jory wouldn’t let me go alone….”
He listened stoically. Kellie was unsure if he believed her.
“Well, it’s a miracle that you and your friends made it out alive. Shenmi Forest is filled with a world not known to many. We have explored only its shell, but the forest only allows us to see what it wants us to see. We searched the areas we were familiar with and when we could not find you, we knew you and your friends were too far beyond. We were unable to go farther because we sensed the warnings around us. The forest is filled with dangerous animals, but they are not bad in any way; they simply live on pure instinct. For the safety of my brothers, I could not allow them to broaden the search.”
Master Zheng looked at Kellie as if she was an anomaly. “You have a connection with the forest, Kellie. You were allowed to see inside for a reason….So did you find what you were looking for?”
“No,” she said, telling another half-truth. She learned she was a chosen one, but still had no inkling of why someone left her there as a baby.
“Master Zheng…the monkey knows I’m Bao Yu.”
“I am aware. We are on high alert. Shifu Su has been fretting over it.”
“How is he?”
“Dr. Lee said he will be good as new with lots of rest.”
“Dr. Lee is here?” asked Kellie, perking up. She needed to thank him for the lucky seeds he gave her; after all, they saved her and her friends’ lives.
“Yes, and you will see him soon. He will escort the three of you to his house and you will stay with him and Mrs. Lee until your flight back to America.”
Kellie didn’t miss that he stressed the words escort and stay.
“Jake and Jory are packed and ready to go. You will be leaving in less than an hour.”
The situation hit her hard: Hagos was an imminent threat and this was the last time she would ever be at Taiping Monastery.
“The monkey is going to come after me, isn’t he?” asked Kellie with apprehension in her voice.
“That is what we expect.”
“Is everyone else ready to go?”
“We will not be leaving until tomorrow.”
“WHAT?” Kellie shouted, getting up from the table. She assumed they would be leaving today as well. They couldn’t stay here any longer; it was too dangerous for them.
“All of you must leave immediately! The monkey will attack again! He’s evil!”
“We could not get enough drivers today for all of us. Do not worry….We have the advantage of numbers….”
Kellie’s stomach twisted in a double knot. How could she leave while the monks’ lives were at risk? And it was all because of her!
“Please send Jake and Jory back with Dr. Lee. I will stay and fight with you.” She wished at that moment there was some way she could contact Zurich and Mulin.
“Your courage is truly admirable,” he said as he smiled, “but you are still a young girl…and the monkey will be out for you. It is much safer for you to be in town.”
Getting up to leave, he stopped when he remembered something. “Shifu Su told me about how you fought the monkey…with powerful chi.”
“I was lucky, I guess,” she said as an excuse.
“There is never luck in kung fu…just skills and gifts.” He opened the door and squinted at the bright sun. Breathing in the fresh air, he said, “I missed the smell of the dew after a rainfall….”
She knew exactly what he was thinking. “Everyone thinks it’s me, don’t they.”
He turned and looked at her with a gleaming smile and a twinkle in his eyes, as if he was admiring a deity. “That is what we think…” he admitted.
“Then why do you want me to leave? Shouldn’t Anguo stay here?”
“Ah yes, it was debated heavily while you were sleeping…whether you belonged here…and it was unanimously decided that you must be protected despite the costs. We cannot let harm come to you, and we cannot let Anguo be misused….You must be far so the monkey cannot find you. We are unaware of his intentions, but it is obviously malevolent.” He looked back up into the blue sky. “Sacrificing your safety is not an option for us. Besides, we have faith good will prevail.”
Kellie didn’t know what to say. Her heart sank hearing Master Zheng’s words. After everything she put them through, they were still protecting her by sending her away, knowing they would live in despair without Anguo.
“Wait, Master Zheng…” She pulled the necklace over her head and dropped it in his hand before he could leave. Surprised by her act, he gave her a puzzled look.
“Master Chen gave this to me as a gift. It means a lot to me….It’s very important — er — to me. I want you to have it….”
He seemed perplexed. Closing his palm over the stone, he asked, “Are you sure you want to give this away?”
“I’m sure,” she said with conviction.
Watching him leave with Anguo, Kellie knew what she did was the best choice. Anguo would remain where it belonged and was in the best possible hands.
Gathering all her things, she shoved her doll into her suitcase before she closed it. A sense of responsibility was lifted from her; although, she worried for her family. She took one last look at her room.
Jake and Jory were already waiting for her at the front entrance of the monastery, sitting on their luggage, looking cleaned up and refreshed. Dr. Lee was speaking with Master Zheng, the only one seeing them off. The rest of the monks were hurriedly packing up the monastery and preparing for a night of attentive watch.
After the bags were loaded into the vehicle, Kellie turned to Master Zheng for her final goodbye when Shifu Su shouted to her, hobbling toward them, his arm in a sling.
“Bao Yu! Goodbye, my little Bao Yu!”
Kellie threw him a huge hug and said, “I’m so sorry you got —”
“No sorries…just smiles,” he said. “We will miss you!”
“Drive safely, Dr. Lee,” Master Zheng said to him, “and thank you for taking them in.”
“It is my and Mrs. Lee’s pleasure,” he said as he got into the driver’s seat.
“We will notify Master Chen when we are at the new monastery,” Master Zheng told Kellie.
The boys were about to get into the back seat when they were surprised by large hands dropping down on their shoulders, inching them to the floor.
“Take care of Bao Yu,” grunted Shifu Han and patted them hard on the back, thrusting them forward.
“Yes, sir,” they said together, their teeth chattering.
Kellie waved to Master Zheng, Shifu Su, and Shifu Han as she got into the front seat. As Dr. Lee drove away, she stared back at the monastery until she could no longer see the point of the House of Meditation. She turned to face the dirt road. With a sigh, she swallowed the lump in her throat, while her heart fell to her stomach.
“Are we there yet?” Jake asked after an hour of driving.
“Halfway there,” said Dr. Lee.
Kellie gazed out the window, day dreaming, as the car bounced up and down on the unpaved road, her mind bombarded with everything they experienced in the forest.
Jory was fast asleep and snoring, while Jake tapped at the window, bored.
Kellie rubbed the collar of her bare neck, glad the stone was in Master Zheng’s possession…but she would have to explain to Master Chen why she gave it away. She hoped he wouldn’t be hurt that a symbol of an old friendship, half a jade — Oh no! She had forgotten all about the other half of the stone. Would Master Chen’s old childhood friend still have the other piece? Just as she was about to ask Dr. Lee if she could make a phone call when they arrive at his home, she ca
ught sight of a familiar glistening, silky feather. Attempting to get another glimpse, she strained her neck as they drove by.
“Stop the car!” Kellie begged.
Out of surprise, Dr. Lee swerved to the side of the road and Kellie jumped out.
“I — uh — feel nauseated…” she said as she ran into the bushes. Madly searching around, she cried, “Zurich? Zurich!” She saw the trees wave above and a few dried-up leaves settled to the ground.
Dr. Lee was calling out her name, so she quickly said, “Zurich, if it’s you, give me a signal, but don’t show yourself.”
A tree branch was tossed in front of her feet.
Ecstatic that she could speak to him one last time, she gleamed. “I only have a second and wanted to let you and Mulin know that I found Anguo! It’s safe. I gave it to Master Zheng, and I know who has the other half of the stone —”
“Bao Yu!” Dr. Lee exclaimed, relieved that he found her. “How are you feeling?”
“Better…” she said, glancing up at the trees.
“We need to get back in the car. It is not safe.”
Reluctantly, she followed him to the side of the road without another word and got back into the passenger seat. Jake and Jory were wide awake, waiting for them.
“What was that all about?” asked Jake.
“I — uh — felt car sick…” Kellie lied, but comforted that she was able to pass on the information that Anguo was recovered and protected.
The brown sedan pulled up onto the driveway of a country-styled home on a small farm. Jake and Jory jumped out, stretching their arms and back. Kellie noticed the well-kept garden by the side of the house, considering the poor weather they have had…until recently, that is. Jake and Jory were helping Dr. Lee get their things out of the car when it started sprinkling again.
“There is nothing more joyous than good weather,” Dr. Lee said, accepting the raindrops on his face, “except good food….My wife has been preparing a treat for all of you. Please, let’s go in.”
Dr. Lee led his guests into his home, and as they entered, a delicious smell invaded their nostrils. The sweet aroma paired perfectly with the cozy feel.
“Bao Yu is here with her friends!” Dr. Lee hollered to his wife.
Mrs. Lee came out of the kitchen, wiping her flour dusted hands on her apron. Correcting her husband, she said, “They call her Kellie now, dear,” and gave Kellie an affectionate hug. “My goodness,” she said, as she admired Kellie up and down. “You have grown into a lovely young lady.” She wiped away the tears forming in the corners of her eyes, and then patted her gray hair, composing herself.
“This must be Jory and Jake,” she said, welcoming them with a smile.
“Hello, Mrs. Lee,” they greeted politely, but gazed at the dining table.
Laughing warmheartedly, she said, “I made a snack because I thought you’d all be hungry.”
“This is a snack?” asked Jory.
The table was covered edge to edge with goodies: cookies, muffins, and a variety of pies and multi-layered cakes.
“I got a little carried away,” said Mrs. Lee. “My children are all grown and out of the house and I don’t have a reason to bake anymore.”
“Where are Mei and Jonathan?” asked Kellie.
“They are both in the States.”
Photos lined the mantles decorating the walls. Jory picked up a picture of a young boy and girl. “Are these your kids?”
“Yes!” Mrs. Lee said as she lit up. “When they were young of course.”
Dr. Lee muttered, “We don’t hear from them much….”
“They are very busy studying,” said Mrs. Lee, as she tossed her husband a look. “Mei is in her first year of law school and Jonathan is a second year medical resident. He’s a doctor — like his father.”
“You must be very proud of them,” said Kellie, impressed.
Mrs. Lee smiled ear to ear, while Dr. Lee spat, “If they called…”
Jake and Jory waited patiently, salivating over the delicious baked goods. When Mrs. Lee noticed, she quickly said, “Sit down and help yourselves!” She set plates down in front of them and poured them each a glass of milk. Jake and Jory ate at least two slices of every pie and cake, and cookie after cookie. The desserts were fresh out of the oven and still warm.
“Do you like?” Mrs. Lee asked the boys.
“Mmmm,” they both murmured, their mouths full of sweets and their cheeks covered with crumbs.
“I shouldn’t have, but I couldn’t resist baking all my kids’ favorites,” laughed Mrs. Lee.
Kellie stared at Mrs. Lee, admiring her genuine warmth and joyous personality. She imagined if she had a grandmother, she would be just like her.
“Let me know if anyone needs anything,” said Mrs. Lee. “I’ll be in the kitchen. I have much to cook for dinner.”
Nibbling on a chocolate chip cookie, Kellie watched Jake and Jory stuff their faces. They eventually slowed down and she saw fullness set in their eyes.
“I heard about how all of you stayed in the forest overnight,” said Dr. Lee, while helping himself to a slice of apple pie. “It is a miracle that you got out of there safely. That place is full of mystery — just like its name. Many stories it has.” He then furrowed his brows. “It is amazing how three kids survived Shenmi Forest….How did you do it?”
“We were lucky,” said Jake, putting down his empty glass.
“Had some help…” said Jory.
Dr. Lee gave him an inquisitive gaze and waited for an explanation. Kellie bit her lip and flashed him a look.
“Er…um, we had a compass and some food in our bags…” Jory nervously replied. “Found ourselves a cave for —”
“A cave?” asked Dr. Lee surprised. “This was not a cave made of gray slate…was it?”
“Yes!” said Kellie even more surprised. “How — how did you know?”
“I have heard stories of the cave made of gray slate deep in Shenmi Forest. Until now, I thought it was just a myth…but my theory is that myth often comes from fact — It is said that the cave houses an enchanted fountain inside,” he said as he laughed. “I’m sure there was no fountain….” He stopped laughing when he looked at each of them. “There was no fountain inside…right?”
“What would this fountain look like?” asked Jake.
“You saw it? What did it look like?” Dr. Lee came off his seat.
“It was small,” Jory described, “and was made of the same gray stone as the rest of the cave.”
“It must have been magnificent!” said Dr. Lee, lighting up like a young child on Christmas morning. He fell back on his chair.
“Not really,” Jake said. “It looked like your typical bird bath.”
Jake’s statement seemed to baffle Dr. Lee.
“What is said about this fountain?” Kellie asked, aware of his proficiency with old legends and tales.
“The story about the cave is that it is well hidden in the forest. To get there, you must go through a labyrinth. It is very difficult to find and even harder to find again. The Saola, a rare unicorn with two magical horns, changes the pathway to the cave in order to protect the fountain.” He seemed to notice Jake and Jory’s odd behavior as he told the story: Jake’s eyes were practically popping out of his skull and Jory’s lower lip almost touched his triple-layer chocolate cake.
“The fountain has the power to provide answers,” he continued. “It is called the Fountain of Truth….Please, tell me more about what you saw.”
“Well, it was a very simple fountain in the middle of an enormous cave,” said Kellie. “There was water in it — that’s all….” Jake and Jory threw her a look and she knew very well what they were thinking.
Kellie could tell Dr. Lee wanted to hear more, but to protect the secrets of Shenmi Forest like Grand Master Jing had done, she didn’t say anything else.
As Dr. Lee was about to say something, Mrs. Lee came out of the kitchen and cheerfully asked, “Would anyone like another glass of
milk?”
“No, thank you, Mrs. Lee,” they all politely answered.
She began to clear up the mostly-eaten desserts and empty plates off the table when she asked her husband, “Will you please take them to their rooms?”
“Sure, sure,” he mumbled.
He grabbed some of their bags and took them up to the second floor. They passed more pictures of their children that were displayed on the walls along the staircase. Dr. Lee opened a door closest to the stairwell. “Jory, Jake, you can sleep in here. It was my son’s old room.”
The bedroom was simple. It had a bunk bed, a shelf filled with old school books, and a dresser. There were a couple of photos of Jonathan on the dresser: one was of his college graduation and the other of him playing football.
Jake picked up the picture of Jonathan in his football uniform. “I didn’t know there’s football in China.”
“That was in America,” Dr. Lee said. “My children were born and raised in New Jersey. We moved to this town when our children were in high school. They were very unhappy with the decision because as you experienced, Du Zhen is quite different from America. They moved back to the States to go to college and have been there ever since….You see, Du Zhen did not have any medical care after the town doctor passed away, so I came here to help….I was born here.”
That explained a lot. The Lees’ house wasn’t the traditional Chinese home that was expected.
“Now to your room, young lady,” Dr. Lee said to Kellie, leaving the boys to get comfortable.
He guided Kellie to the end of the skinny hall and when she entered the room behind him, she had to catch her breath. It was the most charming, dainty room she had ever seen: the curtains were hand sewn and made from a rich floral, satin fabric; the pink wallpaper had etchings of a ballerina all over; cream-colored crown molding covered the top and base of the walls. Portraits of Mei dancing in her ballerina outfit graced the walls, as well as other dance-themed posters. Fit for a princess, the canopy bed had a sheer cover draped around the matching pink comforter and fluffy pillows.
“Mei is a very talented girl,” said the proud father. “She went to college on a dance scholarship, but came out as a political science major.”
