Boy in the Market

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(WANG HUA)

I behaved for a whole week. Until my parents relaxes and brought down their guards.

I studied hard. Did my exercises right. I even let Father took me to a dressmaker to be fitted for new wardrobe. I hate being fitted, standing there just letting a dressmaker prick me with clothing pin. But I endured it, to show Father that I am behaving.

So he won't suspect that I am planning something.

I waited for the day that my Father will go to the next town to buy the needed supplies for the peach and apple harvest on the orchard in the East gate of our estate.

Father will be gone for the whole afternoon. He gave me some assigned works and exercises to keep me busy but I finished them before lunch time.

I waited on the entrance of our home to say goodbye to him and wish him a safe journey before moving to do my plan.

My plan is simple. I will dress like a boy and walk to the market place and maybe even meet my brother outside. I know where the Lectures Halls are and I also know the time when Dao's last class will be finished. I can walk home with him.

But first, I have to look like a boy.

I modified Dao's clothes to fit me. I stole, or borrowed his clothes. Steal is such an ugly word so I will go with borrow. I borrowed a set of Dao's clothes and sew it up to fit me.

Then I cut my hair a little. Just a little. About three inches. That is fine. My hair grew fast and it will be long again. But for now, I have to cut it so I can tie it neatly and fit in my rattan hat. Then I pulled on a sack on my back with two strings that I can slip in my arms and shoulder and slipped my feet in a simple slippers then I am ready to go.

I know the lay out of our estate like the back of my hand. Dao and I explored this whole place, every nook and cranny. I know the movements and placements of the guards and the servants of our estate. I am an observant so I know where I can slip out where no one will notice me.

The North gate is seldom attended. Maybe because Baba used it to welcome guests when there are special occasions in our home. But on ordinary days, it was tight shut and left alone.

That is the perfect escape spot. I look left and right to make sure no one can see me and then I slipped out.

That first breathe of freedom is the most precious feeling.

I am out of the estate. Alone with no nannies or guards. Just me.

I want to laugh and shout and dance in giddiness but I stopped myself, instead I casually walk and go off the road. I walk between the trees until I saw some people walking to the market place. I mingled and hidd myself in their midst until I got to the market place.

First stop, sweet shops. I love sweets. Father always cautioned me from eating too much. Making it a rule that I can only have one serving of candied fruits or sticky buns. While Dao can have as many as he wants as long as he remembers to brush his teeth and gurgle with salt water then chew some mint leaves after.

It was unjust for me as I love sticky honeyed buns. So I bought three and ate them while looking at the shops and strolling along the market. I also bought a cup of tea and apple chips. Apples that are sliced thinly and dipped in molasses before drying. It was good. It took the bitter taste of the tea away.

Then I walk some more. I saw a shop selling sling toys and bought one for Dao as he broke his sling and needed a new one. Then I saw a pretty small pin and bought that for ShuYin to pin on her hair.

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