Nobody eats the cake at McDonald's

Moving day (Ophelia)

"WE'RE LEAVING???" cried Ophelia.

Her parents sat her down to receive some news. They knew she wouldn't take it well, but it was what it was and nothing could be done.

"You know your grandmother's condition had deteriorated since we last saw her. We're afraid she might not last much longer without someone taking care of her." Her dad seemed absurdly calm for someone giving up on the last few years of his life.

"So moving back to Guilin is the solution? Isn't there anybody already there who can do it?"

Ophelia had built a life for herself in Vancouver. It was her home and she'd changed a lot since leaving China. She wasn't sure if the person she'd become was even compatible with her old way of life.

"There is nobody else. It's disrespectful to shirk your responsibility to your family. The tickets have been purchased, plans have been made, and you're coming with us. We leave in three weeks. That is final." Her father clenched his fists and gave her a look that made her stop. She dared not argue any further.

"Fine." She relented. "May I go?" She asked meekly. She didn't want to provoke her father by appearing rude.

Her dad waved her away like he didn't particularly care what she did.

As she made her retreat to her room, she started to sob quietly. What would she do? Who would she tell? Her father had been clear, but she couldn't just accept that this was her fate.

She changed into running pants and put on a light jacket. The fresh northern air would help her think. As she put on her shoes at the door, she could feel her father's eyes on her.

"When will you be back?" He asked with a steel voice, almost implying there was a correct answer.

"No more than half an hour." She responded

Ophelia stepped out of her house and into the cold air. It had rained all night. The usually bright cherry blossoms that lined her neighbourhood lost their hue under the cloudy sky. Walking by, she swatted at them loosing the water from inside. Free from her house, she let herself sob again. Each deep breath left her feeling just a bit clearer. She had to leave, but she would still be Ophelia.

After her walk, Ophelia felt better. She was clearer-headed and had a plan for herself. The first thing she had to do was purchase access to a VPN she could use to bypass the great firewall of China. If she could still keep in contact with her old life, she could hold on. The next thing she had to do was get a hold of as much money as she could. The first opportunity she had, she would leave.

The next three weeks were a whirlwind of luggage, craigslist and eBay sales, moving men and Skype calls with relatives she hadn't seen in years. Fortunately for Ophelia, Chinese customs laws forbade her family from importing their vehicles. She was able to sell her car and keep the money. She had her opportunity. As she boarded the plane for China, she felt really positive.