We'll take out our rusty old iphone 6. Put on our rusty old blue ... And I'm sure you were once new here, too, so stay o
LOTIS MAGAZINE JUNE 2015, VOLUME VI
THE INTERNATIONAL SCHOOL OF MACAO
Original art by Nicola Stefan, Grade 4-2
Memory Years ago I sat in a classroom With wide eyes and an alert heart My goal was to survive This unknown, dangerous place of a the new year Every step could lead to a swampy, ten-feet deep swirl. On the way I met people. We were different Brought together by the coincidental alphabets To try to live together That friendship was sweeter than any Cautious and polite I stayed quiet and listened Watched Until I finally dared to ask and speak and smile I remember that one day The last day we were together We laughed and chatted and did art works Which looked nothing like art, but no one cared
That was one of the warmest memories In my short, pathetic life And I will keep it forever I will miss that memory forever I will miss that feeling forever I will miss you forever. I don’t know why In the end, I’d miss the thin layer of ease in the beginning. Nobody else would bother to keep that memory I probably shouldn’t, either In order to move forward But the past is sweet And it is a lesson Cherish what you have You never know when you’ll lose them Anonymous
Years from now We’ll be old Sitting there in our flying chairs Smiling at old photos when our hair was black Everyone walked everywhere When Obama was known by everyone When Elsa and Anna were printed on water botles When sunglasses were seen as cool When “LOL” was still used Cracking our rusty old joints We’ll take out our rusty old iphone 6 Put on our rusty old blue beats Play that old rusty Taylor Swift tune While a few kids will look at us like we are crazy old freaks Who cling onto the past way too tightly The world we’ve once known has crumbled To the dust under the laughing children’s shiny shoes We should just let go, shouldn’t we? And just enjoy the afternoon sunlight Fortunately, The sunlight doesn’t rust with age Anonymous
Original art by Constance Ip, Grade 12
Original art by Faith Chong, Grade 12
A New Life Stomp, stomp, stomp! I charged through the front door as I pulled my dog, Butternut. “I am home, Mom!” I shouted. “Do you want a snack?”asked Mom “No, I am perfectly fine without a snack, but not fine in a new city, new school, a new house with a new baby brother!” I shrieked. It was so frustrating, why did we have to move?! My life so perfect before DAD announced that WE had to move to New York City. And a new baby brother! Seriously, what was my mom thinking?! She was out of her mind. Worst of all is my last name. Anyway, we start school tomorrow so my life is totally ruined. “Good morning, class!” Miss Garcia sang. “Today we have a new classmate. She moved here from Washington D.C., so you can ask her all about that place.” That made me feel even worse. “She is called Sophie Tu-” “PATTERSON” I interrupted. People do NOT want to know my real last name. “Sophie Patterson.” “But on here it says your name is Sophie _” In my mind I am literally begging her to do anything but say my last name. “Tushman!” There goes my reputation. But the class just stared at me and smiled weird. Except for this boy named Matt Evans who was laughing his head off nudging some other boys that looked just as mean. After school, while I was walking home, alone, this girl named Adina Baker came up to me and said, "Hi, I am Adina. I think you know because I am in your class. So anyways you seem upset, why?" I sighed and said, "My life is awful! I mean I just got here and all the changes, I don't like them. Anyways, you won't understand, no one ever will." "What? You think I don't understand you?" she questioned. "I was like in your shoes not long ago. I had moved here from Kansas and things were totally different, but it was so perfect! At least I thought it was. Just wait and see, things might be turn out well for you too." Wow, she sounded like my mother, but maybe she was right, things might turn out better than I thought they would. Butternut greeted me on the front porch. He always made me feel better. Mom saw me walking in and said, "Did you have fun at school today?" "Yes, maybe, I don't know," I said. I had mixed feelings and I didn’t want to admit that tomorrow I might have a fun day. So I walked up the stairs to my bedroom, flopped on my bed, and wrote down in my diary what happened today in school. I know it's dumb but it always makes me feel better. The next day, as soon as I arrived, I went to the school library to borrow some books (I love reading!). As I was leaving, I saw Matt Evans and his gang staring at me and snickering, but I just ignored them. But then they came up to me and said, "Hey new kid, what were you doing in the library?" I saw people walking over to see what was happening. Adina came to me and said, "Just let him say whatever he wants to. Better walk away, everyone's afraid of him." I couldn’t just walk away, so I said to Matt," I borrowed some books, got a problem with that?" He said " Actually I do. See, only nerds and geeks go to the library, so unless you want to be one of those people, you need to follow my rules." "No I don't. See, I also got a problem with you. You act like you're so tough and everything, but you know what? You are just like everybody else. I know that because someone bullied you before, you express your sadness through bullying. And I’m sure you were once new here, too, so stay out of other people's way and mine," I said. Woah! I was out of breath and my heart was pounding in my chest. It felt good. All around me, people were cheering for me. Adina pulled me out of the crowd. "You did it! You took down the school's worst bully!” I felt proud. Maybe the best part of change was this moment. I felt like the world opened up to new possibilities. I still had years ahead of me and maybe they were going to be the best years of my life. Maybe having a little brother wasn't so bad, maybe change was good. By Natasha Ho, 5-2
Blackout Poems Mysteries The strange creek sparkled Twisted trees stretched and whispered A shadowy beginning of unknown places The magnet of secrets and mysteries. By Natalie Leong, 7-3 The Dark Forest He halted beyond the bushes, In a forest where tales had been whispered A forest of unknown mysteries and secrets. He had to explore it. By Claire , 7-3
Unknown Lands
Grade 7
I dare not go past the forest. Mysteries, secrets, Dark woods excite my imagination. At the far end of the creek Villagers sing and shout Tales of twisted beasts, Strange savages, hideous giants All waiting upstream. By Kesha King, 7-2 Leaves
The leaves of the forest, a soft cushioning silencing carpet. At the end of the clearing the villagers spoke of leaf giants. By Harley Orris, 7-2 Secret The wilderness I explored, the creaks of the forest excited me. I marked the secret lands. I persuaded the villagers about the tales. They know the secret of the wilderness. They know the whispered secrets. The secrets... By Johnathan Chan, 7-3 The Forest Tales We explored the forest, our imagination making tales of unknown shadowy beings waiting to pull villagers into the wilderness. by Antonio Figueiredo 7-2 Original art by Billy Lui, Art 10
Original art by Rebecca Bayliss, Art 20
The Journey To The Compass My name is Charlie Jones. I live in a city called Hong Kong. I am 28 years old, an only child, well not counting my selfish, immature, troublesome brother, to whom I have not spoken in 17 years after he moved away. We were both adopted, and we lived with our adoptive parents, thinking they were our birth parents for many years. Then they decided to tell me the story of my adoption on my birthday. My birthday present was a small little box, and inside there was an old compass with little carvings of numbers and symbols on the sides. A crumpled note came with the compass: Dear son, We give you this compass with joy and trust, keep it somewhere safe, that is a must. You should remember to not give it away, for this will guide you somewhere safe one day. Your Birth Parents This was not quite what I was expecting, out of the corner of my eye, I saw a little blue paper on the kitchen table addressed to me. I opened up the envelope and inside was a green sparkly card. It read: Happy birthday brother, I have waited many years, you’re finally 28, one of my fears. That compass you got, all rusty and old, are you sure you want it? Or do you need to be told? AJ AJ sure had a familiar ring to it, then I realized, my brother! Alexander Jones. Was he jealous of the compass that I got? Why would he want it so badly? Over the past few days, I kept wondering what it meant. The letter, the compass, am I supposed to go on a quest? I took my chances. I packed my bags and left a note on the kitchen table. I have gone on an adventure to follow the compass, the compass will guide me somewhere safe, somewhere where I can live without any worries. Hopefully I will be back soon. Charlie Jones I got into an old dinghy that I found abandoned on the beach. I couldn’t believe I was trusting an old compass that probably didn’t work anymore to guide me through the ocean. The trip was three hours long until I finally reached land. As I got off the boat, people kept staring at me, as if they had never seen another human being before. The city was very busy with car honks and people shrieking to draw attention to their shops on the streets. There were fish markets on almost every street corner. I made my way through the busy streets, as I was searching for a place to stay for at least one night. Fortunately, I found a little hotel not far from the ocean named Jiu Long Guest House. The lobby door was a little rusty; I checked in and went up four sets of stairs and came to a stop at my door, 307. I unlocked the door, put my bag down and drifted off into a deep sleep on the hard creaky bed. Later that day, after having lunch at the sushi market, I went back to my hotel room to find a note taped on the door. YOU BRING WITH YOU A SPECIAL ITEM, YOU KNOW WHERE IT IS SO DON’T BOTHER LYING. BRING IT TOMORROW BY 12 PM AT THE LOBBY OF THE HOTEL: MEN XI YAN. I brought the note inside. Somebody didn’t want me here. I dropped the note on top of the bed. The note wasn’t just an ordinary piece of paper, the note was written in a rhyme format. I sat in my chair pondering who this inscrutable person was. Perplexed by how this person could have found me, hardly even knowing me, I wondered which special item is he or she talking about. I spent ten ponderous minutes thinking about this. When suddenly, it hit my head like a sledgehammer. BANG! A POET. I sped to the door bringing with me paper and a pen. I halted to a stop by the spot where the note had been on the door. I wrote so briskly, I could hardly read my own writing. Dear Stranger, I am shocked by this note you sent me, why did you choose me? There are plenty of other people out there. The next time you write me a note, please identify yourself. Charlie Jones I tucked the pen in my jacket and taped the note back on the door. “Stop right there” said a deep voice. I turned around. Standing there was Alexander Jones, my filthy, annoying brother. “Wha-wh-wh-what are you doing here?” “I have come back to retrieve what’s rightfully mine.” ‘I… I… I don’t know what you’re talking about”, I confidently replied and I suddenly regretted saying that. I had a feeling I knew what he was talking about. “The compass!” My brother dramatically replied. “The compass is mine and it should’ve been given to me, not you.” “Wh-w-w-w-why is it so important?” My brother’s face turned into a sinister sneer, “That is for me to know, and for you to find out.” With one kick, he threw me onto my back. His buckle leather boots kicked dust into my face as he bustled into the room. Ten minutes later returned with the compass in his hand. “FINALLY, I FOUND IT AFTER ALL THESE YEARS!” “When will it end?” I asked “When will you stop so being evil? ” Disturbed and confused I could hardly hear my brother last words as he ran away down the staircase: “Why my fellow brother, it has only just begun!” By Matilde Melo, Grade 6
The Lonely Street of Dreams
Anonymous
You walk down the street Magic exists Fist clutching against the cold Anonymous The light of the city The noise of the traffic It does. You turn around a corner It really does. Catching sight of a poster of some infamous dancer You’re just looking in the wrong place. Without knowing it, you start imagining For children Maybe it’s a good friend hugging you from behind There is always magic. Maybe it’s you suddenly finding your way to flight The fairies, the elves, the unicorns Maybe it’s the celebrity you admire coming to you and But they fade as we grow up, which sucks. asking for directions A wave of a wand Maybe it’s a small bird magically landing on your shoulNo longer brings candy. der A wish on a shooting star Maybe it’s you meeting a hero No longer comes true. Maybe it’s you becoming a hero Most don’t even wish on shooting stars anymore Maybe it’s just a friendly stranger’s smile. Magic has vanished with childhood We think. You start letting your imagination flow Everything is going so perfectly But magic only hides You are responding perfectly In what seems so natural. The scenes are so real and vivid and colorful No one thinks they are magical They grow and develop like they are alive If only you believe so You laugh Magic brings the sun up every morning You gasp Magic wills your tomato plant to grow You are so happy Magic rotates the earth You are so in control Magic allows you to move your fingers Until you realize Magic Is music, art, science, math, words, Nothing has actually happened our very existence. Take a chance The poster is now twenty blocks away And believe that life itself is magical. And you are still on this road Just like you were before Even if wishes never come true, Suffering second-hand smoke Shooting stars are still magical. The fact that you are alive to make a wish That empty feeling is just the worst is still magical. I want to know if I’m the only one who understands Stop looking for magic. What it’s like Because it’s always there. To be walking along the lonely street of dreams. It is Only if you believe so. Magic exists.
Photo by Constance Ip, Grade 12
Original art by Justin San Juan, Grade 12
Two Different Worlds
BZZZZZZZZZ!!! “Hear the wonderful sound of the bee, and see all these beautiful flowers growing?” I whispered to my best friend Ella. “Yes, I can see all that, and it’s sure a lot different from the city.” “Really!?!” I gasped in surprise. “Of course it is. Here in the countryside it’s all nature, but if you go to the city, you’ll see the huge difference between the countryside and the city,” Ella explained. “Come on Ella!” Ella’s mom called. “Daddy is waiting for you in the car!” “Bye!” my mom waved before their car vanished into the misty distance. I was still a bit confused about how much difference there really could be between the countryside and the city since Ella didn’t have enough time to explain it to me. I was pretty sure, though, that I could figure this out myself. I sat on the lawn for ten minutes trying to envision the difference, but no matter how much thought I put into it, I still couldn’t figure it out! That was when my dad called me in for dinner. I was so glad that the evening meal was finally ready because I had used a lot of energy that day. I was just starving! “We’re having roast chicken and salad,” my dad announced when we were all seated at the table. “Tuck in everyone!” “We have a surprise for you,” mom said in a secretive voice. “Can you guess what it is?” “Is it me getting a bigger room?” I asked excitedly. “No, even better than that.” “What is it? Tell me, tell me!” “We are going to move to the city.” By the time she said City my face went all red and I was jumping up and down like crazy. I was super thrilled with that idea. “When are we moving?” I asked breathlessly. “The movers are coming tomorrow morning at ten,” my dad answered. Now my face was turning purple, I couldn’t even breath. When I was finished dinner I ran up the stairs and went to bed. I had never gone to bed this early before, but I was doing it today because I wanted the night to be over and wake up tomorrow morning finding myself in the city. “It’s moving time!” I shouted as soon as I opened my eyes the following morning. I ran downstairs, made a nice bowl of cereal, and started eating. Afterwards, I ran back up to my parents room to wake them up, but when I went in, I saw bags and boxes stuffed to the brim, so they had packed all our belongings already. “Oh hey sweetie, are you excited?” my dad asked me. “Of course I am, let’s go!” And so we went, moving from the countryside to the city. We arrived in front of a big tall building like I had never seen before. We took our bags into a weird thing called Elevator and it rushed us up to the twenty fifth floor. My mom told me that we were living in unit C. I was confused as to why we were going to live in a unit, but later on I understood what she meant. We had this small place where there was only a tiny space to stand outside, not at all like our garden in the countryside. My dad told me it was called a balcony. It was so high up, I thought I was going to faint, but in time I got used to it. When we first moved into this building I was nervous and afraid, but now I am happier then ever living in the city. By:Bernice Gill
My Dog Is Not Smart My Dog is not so smart. He always is so lazy and also very annoying which drives me totally crazy. All he cares about is fun, that’s why he never gets any work done. He only knows how to sing. Oh, what a horrid thing! I wish he listened to me! Then I’d be filled with glee. I wish he was never born. I wouldn’t feel any scorn. Who is special, he or me? It’s weird because you see He’s always the one to blame. Dog is my brothers name. by Natasha Ho
Original art by Ivan Yan, Grade 4-2
The Mad Turkey As I walked along the road one day Kicking up stones along the way I saw a bird of an unusual size Who had a large beak, and small beady eyes. It strutted along and ruffled its wings Then it did the most frightening thing It let out a screech and puffed out its chest I wanted to run from this evil pest As this bird’s mighty exterior did appear The inside of my chest was filled with fear It put one talon forward, the other one after Everywhere I go, I can hear the sound of laughter Around the corner I ran, straight to my home Leaving the bird confused and alone That’s why you should never befriend a turkey (for that’s what he was) Or he’ll attack you simply because. by Elyse Ng
Purple Poem Purple is the end of a rainbow (under the disguise of violet) Purple is the perfect mix of blue, red, and a dash of pink (for excitement) Purple is a happy ending Purple is a beautiful thunderstorm Purple tastes like apple juice Purple smells like lavender Purple sound like thunder Purple feels like the surface of the school chair I’m sitting on Purple looks like Grape Fanta Purple makes me feel sophisticated Purple is a good ending, just like this one. By Affreen Gouse
Photo by Eduardo Sequeira, Grade 12
MY PHONE “Mom!!!” I shouted at the top of my lungs. Bursts of tears exploded out of my eyes as I threw myself on the floor and screamed as loud as I could. My brother stood beside me quietly laughing and doing a little dance. I heard my mom’s footsteps rushing to my room, “What’s wrong Nica?!” she asked with concern. “I am 13 years old, mom!!!” I shrieked, “Don’t call me Nica! My name is Veronica!!!” “Fine Veronica! What’s wrong?!” mom demanded. “Bryan threw my phone out the window and I saw it break into pieces!!” I whined. “I wanted to check the time on her phone and she got mad and pushed me!” Bryan said. “Veronica, you are 13 years old, you need to control your temper and be more responsible! Your brother is only 8 years old!” my mom scolded. “For what you did today, you are grounded for a week, and I am not buying you a new phone!” Tears filled my eyes. I ran into the bathroom and cried and cried and cried. I couldn’t stop! I could not control my feelings, and now I didn’t have a phone anymore. It was Monday, my eyes were all puffy because of all the crying and I didn’t feel like going to school and telling my friends my phone was gone and I wasn’t getting a new one. It was just too much drama! “Nica-uh..Veronica! Time for school, dear!” sang my mom from down stairs. “I don’t wanna go to school…,” I whined “Come down here right now Veronica!” my mom said sharply. “No!” I screamed back at her. “Veronica!” mom sounded annoyed and about to get angry. I had no choice but to get ready for school and go eat breakfast. I dragged myself downstairs and my heart skipped a beat when I saw a very fancy breakfast sitting on the table. Next to it a white envelope said: “For our dearest Veronica”. What? I had no idea what that was, so I just ate my blueberry pancakes with some chocolate milk while I read the note: “Dear Veronica, We just wanted to make you a fancy breakfast because of your loss, you and your phone were such great friends and that is why we wanted to say…. HAPPY LATE APRIL FOOLS DAY!!!!” Wait, Bryan didn’t throw my phone out the window? Mom was just kidding? I am not grounded? Yes! Then that only means one thing…. I still had my phone!!! “Where’s my phone! Where did you hide it?” I asked really excited. “In Bryan’s socks,” answered my mom winking at my brother. “His clean socks, I hope?” I asked concerned. “Uhhh…..Yes Veronica, gotcha! ”my mom assured me. After a hug and a few laughs I sprinted up to my brother’s bedroom and dove into his sock drawer (not literally) where I found my phone. By the time I went downstairs I was already 30 minutes late for school. By: Bianca Acconci
Shimmer Pain. I feel so much pain. My stolen plasma gun is lying next to me smashed to pieces. I feel like I’ve just been hit by a gigantic fist. Oh wait, I just was. Everything around me is either destroyed or on fire. The air smells like smoke. My lungs refuse to breathe. Suddenly, everything around me goes dark. Five hours earlier… The digital sun lights up my room instantly. “Good morning, sir. How would you like your coffee today?” “Sigh. No coffee for me today, computer. Turn on the shower, download the route to work, prepare my usual breakfast and turn on the sprinklers.” “Yes, sir.” “TV, channel 1337.” “Yes, sir.” The smart TV executes my order. “This just in! The Pearl River Delta claims another victim. This once popular tourist attraction well known for its water’s high level of radioactivity claimed another life this morning. A bank robber making his getaway in a heavily modified yellow hover car crashed into the side of the road and landed in the middle of the river. Witness reports indicate that bubbling continues at the crash site. This is GLADTEC news. Stay with us. We will be back after a short break.’ GLADTEC is up to no good. Last year they built a nuclear reactor under the Pearl River Delta. Soon after, its core overloaded and started leaking toxic chemicals into the river. That put an end to all river transportation as ships began slowly to disintegrate on the water. The excited voice of the news anchor follows me around the house as I take my shower and devour my breakfast. I take out my hover car keys, but their radioactive glow blinds me and I drop them. They disappear into a crack in the asphalt. “Great, guess I’ll just use my brain chip.” The hover car door unlocks. I get my plasma gun out of the glove box. “ Good morning, sir. Please state your destination.” “Office.” The engine starts to hum and I’m on my way to work. Warning holograms keep popping up along the road alerting me to the dangers of swimming in the river. I park and take the capsulator up to the 145th floor. Another day at the office. Another gadget by GLADTEC. This time it’s a circlebot that hovers around and helps you live. We slowly forget how to use our bodies to do the simplest things. From my office windows I can see the site of the accident. Hover jets are circling the area. A slight movement catches my eye. It seems to intensify. Suddenly, a huge hump rises out of the water. I gasp. The Pearl River waters are sucked into this amorphous body. They’re feeding into a yellow orb at its center, which must be the nuclear core becoming unstable. I’ve seen it happen before with mutated fish, but never this large. The creature rises above the ground and lets out a deafening roar. I rush towards the capsulator and find myself sandwiched between office workers on the way down. We dart out of the building as the monster releases another glass shattering roar. Hover jets are blindly firing lasers and plasma orbs at it. It explodes and we yell in excitement. It’s gone. Or is it? We stare in shock, as the monster is reborn from the radioactive goop. It’s no longer bright yellow, but speckled with blue and red. That’s when we realize that it has absorbed the plasma orbs and lasers, which it now fires back at all the buildings around. Everything is on fire. Entire office towers collapse around us like cardboard boxes. I want to get away as fast as I can, but I cannot leave my peaceful city fall prey to the horrendous monster. I have to do something. Anything. I suddenly remember that there is an anti-radiation shield at the Hong Kong airport. I quickly run to the fire exit and get to the carpark. I stop as part of the ceiling crumbles. I stare in shock as rock and dust bury my car. I am about to give up when I notice an abandoned super hover car.
I’ve always wanted to drive one! I get in, but there are no keys. The entire ceiling is threatening to come crashing down. I have to act fast. I quickly check the glove box. No keys there. I check the floor. Nothing. Then I see a hidden compartment. I punch it open and find the spare keys. I quickly start up the hover car. Luckily the car assistant is offline otherwise I’d be trapped in here. As I drive out of the car park, I am horrified by the destruction, but there’s no time to mourn. A plasma orb is heading towards me. I stomp on the accelerator. 100 mph, 200 mph, 300 mph. The homing plasma orb is still on my tail. I press the overload engine button. The hover car immediately goes to 1000 mph. I leave the plasma orb in my dust just as a wall rises ahead of me. I pull up like a pilot about to crash his plane. I close my eyes as I see my death unfold. I open my eyes again and realize the hover car is soaring towards the clouds. A billion warning flashes go off. I’m going too high. This vehicle cannot handle high altitudes and pieces of it start coming off. Suddenly, my worst nightmare is happening. The engine shuts down from overheating. I can’t even use the eject button. I’m falling out of the sky like a shot bird. I once again stare at my doom. What a stupid mistake trying to be a hero! I close my eyes waiting for the hover car to explode as it hits the ground. THUMP! I’m floating on the gelatinous head of the monster. This is my chance to save the world after all. I try to start the engine but it just would not budge. We’re sinking into the radioactive body. I desperately look around trying to find a way out of this mess. A familiar looking object is sticking out from under the passenger’s seat. It’s a first edition plasma gun in mint condition. Not many things have changed since then. It powers on just like one of the more recent models. As I inadvertently fire the plasma gun, it cracks the window and radioactive waters start trickling in. A blue flashing light indicates the option to repair broken devices. I point it at the hover car’s engine. “Hurry up already!” I hit the car’s power button with tremendous force. The engine makes a loud clicking sound and, finally, I hear that glorious super hover car start up sound. I slam on the accelerator. The bottom of the car is slowly disintegrating as we sink deeper into slime. The monster is struggling in pain, thrashing its body around. I finally manage to blast out of its viscous brain in search for the airport. I don’t have much time as beeping signals indicate radioactive matter seeping into the engine. I find the landing strip and attempt to bring the hover car down. With a crashing sound, I touch down only to realize that the hover car is shedding more parts. I leave a trail of sparks as the vehicle grinds on the asphalt. I have to abandon my dream hover car. I blast off the door with the plasma gun and jump out. In shock, I watch it crash into the air traffic control center, which collapses onto the airport building. I have to find a way to transport the anti radiation shield. To my left, an old fashion propeller plane is droning. The pilot is watching the destruction in a daze. We load the shield onto the plane and take off. We circle the monster looking for the best angle to hit it from. Suddenly, as the pilot checks on the state of our cargo, we realize that the loading bay is stuck and will not open to release the shield. There’s only one thing to do. We set the plane on autopilot, strap parachutes on, and jump. As we float towards the ground, our eyes follow the heavy body of the steel bird crash into the plasma. Instantly, the shield begins to absorb the radioactive substance leaving behind the river that flows back into its dry bank. With a last spasmodic effort, the monster throws a punch in our direction. Pain. I feel so much pain. My stolen plasma gun is lying next to me smashed to pieces. I feel like I’ve just been hit by a gigantic fist. Oh wait, I just was. Everything around me is either destroyed or on fire. The air smells like smoke. My lungs refuse to breathe. In the distance, the waters of the Pearl River Delta shimmer in the sun. Suddenly, everything around me goes dark. By Dylan Sutton, Grade 7 Original art by Wa Chi Lau, Grade 7
My Many Journeys When I was lying in my bed, A thought sprang up inside my head. What if I had a different life, New friends, new things, new body, new strife? Oh, the things that I could do, If I could be someone else, but who? So I wished with all my might, That I might change during the night. And as I rose, I saw my wish, was granted! I was a fish. A small tuna, in a school of other tuna, fresh and cool. But then as I turned, I saw in fear, A shark! Oh dear! Oh dear! Oh dear! But the shark came and opened wide, And I was afraid I’d be inside. But then Whoosh! What had happened? I’m a rat in Manhattan! Hey, this can’t be so bad, I wasn’t’ worried, not a tad. But then, you know what I see? Pest control, approaching me! I bolt for my life I fear, Get me the heck out of here! I close my eyes, and now I'm gone, And am a calf in Saigon? Finally, hard times I can pass, To graze on this delicious grass. But who is that? It's the butcher! No time to grow, no time to nurture! Oh shoot! What will I do? Is my death finally due? How I wish I could fly, Fly out of here into the sky. Hurray! I still have luck! I am a flying mallard duck! But things whizz by, one, two, three, They’re bullets! They’re aimed at me! How could this be? It’s hunting season! Must I die? Is there a reason? I get myself out of there, And become a grizzly bear. But it doesn’t work, I try more, Rabbit, dolphin, wild boar, Chipmunk, raccoon, chimpanzee, A cute seal in the Caspian Sea! I just wish I was back home, Back where oceans shine white with foam. I can’t take it! I yell and scream! And wake up? That was a dream? This life is the best of all, So live it to the fullest, trust me y’all.
By Timothy Humphries, Grade 6
Original art by Claudia Yang, Art 10
Panacea They took me into the room. Injected me with their chemicals. They made me inhuman as I tried to overcome their power. They made me indestructible as I started to lose hope. They made me one of them as my last tear carried all my emotions into the river. I can’t feel anything. Can’t remember anything. Blackout... The shining sun filled up the hovercraft with life as I slid the cover of the window open. I spotted the famous Pearl River and the dusty city ruins. My team and I were going back to the Pearl River to decontaminate its waters. The war had left most of the man made structures in shambles and we, the Re-Foundation, were trying to restore everything to its former glory, but there was only so much we could do. It was an odd day. It felt as if I had done this a thousand times although I had no memory of it. I was neither excited, nor scared. I wanted to feel sad, but it was a challenge. I tried to feel happy, but that was a far more difficult task. At last, we reached the Pearl River. The hovercraft began to slow down. It skidded across the river surface creating big and lively splashes of water. As a drop of water hit my mouth, a sharp pain sliced through my brain and a vision burst to life. I could not handle this kind of familiar pain. I dropped on the floor as my teammates, Thalia and Raymond, ran to me. “Terence! Are you ok?” The sunlight attacked my eyes and I fell into the agony of unconsciousness. I had a dream about the vision I saw. It was me, but a me with less muscles, and less body weight. Then these doctors, the doctors of the Re-Foundation, were injecting me with a chemical, as I fought to break free. As soon as the chemicals started spreading through my veins, I went into a deep slumber. “Done,” said one of the doctors. “His heart stopped beating. He’s ready for the tank.” Two nurses grabbed me and inserted me into a cylindrical tank. They slammed the top shut while blue fluid began to envelop me in a warm liquid coat. Then I was placed next to… next to all the other people in my team. Reality slapped me awake. The vision was gone. I was half conscious when two doctors in front of me said, “The sample showed that the river water contains healing chemicals. A splash must have gone into his mouth and brought back some of the old memories. We must condition him again.” “No,” said the other doctor in a hoarse voice, “The others might find out. Let him be, but no more missions to the Pearl River for him.” I knew it was not the right time to ask questions. I pretended I was still unconscious and waited until the two doctors walked out. “Conditioning?” I thought. “What do they mean? Old memories?” Something told me that the vision I had had was not a vision. It was a memory. I ran out of the room and back to the dorm. I knew what needed to be done. I knew why all my memories seemed fake. Thalia and the other members stood up as I walked in. “Don’t your memories seem fake?” They all nodded in agreement. “This is not us! They’ve done something! We need to be cured!” That speech shook everyone awake. “The Re-Foundation is not the government, they’re outsiders,” Raymond said excitedly. A sharp pain seemed to hit everyone including me. Pieces of memories came back to us. Immediately guards of the Re-Foundation ran in, guns pointed at us. “Come with us and we will not shoot. Resist and we will.” But as wardens of The Re-Foundation, we had the same weapons they did. Raymond and I took charge. In an instant, the room turned into a war zone. Soon, the guards’ bodies were strewn all over the floor. Sixteen hoverboards laid lifelessly in the parking area. We jumped on them. Once the hoverboards sensed out weight, they levitated above the ground and began to glide leaving history behind. They floated weightlessly, twisting and turning down narrow dusty streets. We rose higher and higher. Up there in the thin air, I could finally breathe. I finally felt alive. Below us, the Pearl River meandered its way through the valley. “Let’s get down there,” said Thalia. “Terrence, you’re going to have to lead us.” So I did. The hoverboard dropped down a hundred feet then steadied itself again. In the distance, I could see hovercrafts approaching fast. The others saw them, too.
“Hurry up!” urged Francis. I formed a small bowl with my hands. Water rushed into my palms and I gulped it down breathlessly. Throbbing headaches returned. This time I did not faint. The others followed my lead. Excruciating headaches hit them, too. Time was running out. “We gotta keep moving!” yelled Raymond. The hoverboards slid seamlessly across the Pearl River. We tried to escape the hovercrafts by splitting up in different directions. At last, we lost them. When we were reunited we shared our memories. There had been no world war. In a both horrible and terrifying moment, we understood that the Re-Foundation was a terrorist group trying to take over Earth by annihilating people’s memories and forcing them to join their side. Suddenly, an overwhelming ache paralyzed me. How could I have forgotten? My family! Where were they? I had to find them and keep them safe. I was the eldest son, so I no sacrifice was too great if I could reunite my family. “I know,” said Thalia startling me from my daydream. “There is still a safe place. The Undercity!” “That place is not far,” said Francis, “we can be there by midnight.” “We’ll have to split up to prevent being followed.” said Raymond, “If we don’t, we might as well just kill the million people living down there.” He was right. Back on our hoverboards, we followed the maps that the Re-Foundation had inserted into our brain, and switched on our 24-hour-brain to fight sleep. Even though they had a map of the world, the terrorists did not know where the Undercity was. Soon, I arrived at our meeting point to see a big tree that had “Under the Secret” carved on it. I could not remember how I knew I was supposed to wait there, but I was grateful for the memories that the river healed. I stood and stood as hope started to lose its hold on my mind. Unexpectedly, a masked figure turned up beside me. Soon after, two more masked figures arrived running. They grabbed me and the first figure pointed a threatening device at me. It scanned me and made a beeping noise. My heart started beating as loud as a roaring lion. The first figure pinched the fabric on the left side of my waist. He took out a small chip. A tracker, of course. Finally, the figures all pulled off their masks revealing their faces. I was surprised by how similar they were, and then I realized that they were triplets. The triplets led me to an entryway disguised as a dark cave covered with leaves. One of the brothers stood up and swiped a card on the back wall of the cave, which opened to reveal another dark entryway. I walked blindly until the spark of hope lit up the end of the corridor. I stepped into the light and the vision I was met with was phenomenal. A huge city unfolded before me. The further I walked, the more astonishing it became. Some of the buildings burst out in colors, others looked like vintage postcards. The air sung all around me. People wore smiles like their best Sunday clothes. Not long after, the guards led me to an office at the far end of the city. The other wardens were already there. Behind the imposing desk, a friendly man in a light suit was sitting in a big chair. “You’re welcome to stay and become one of us. A rebel.” So, I did. Together, we were stronger. We found our cure. By Johnathan Chan, Grade 7-3
Original art by Kelly Vong, Grade 10,
Original art by Sariputra Tong, Grade 7
Original art by Helen He, Grade 7
You Are
by Kyle Choi, Grade 9 You are who I love The person who I always look forward to seeing And the fantasies in my dreams that are actually real. You are what I love The Juliet to my Romeo, and the oxygen that I breathe The one thing that I know I could not live without. You are when I love You are one I have been waiting for my entire life But I spending my whole life with you seems so short-lived. You are where I love The part of me that I would travel the universe to find Even if the odds were stacked against me. You are why I love Because if I lose you My life would be a dull, empty pit of nothing. You are the one.
Life
by Tania Lee Nogueira Grade 9
Today as we wake up, we survived another day. Everyday is a risk, as we take it all. Waking up in the morning, you know you are stronger. So, enjoy what you have. Just in case it ends.
Photo by Kelvin Sin, Grade 10
Oh Pearl River
by Frankie Ieng Hou Leong Murphy, Grade 2 Oh Pearl River, Oh Pearl River, how lovely are your big waves. Oh Pearl River, Oh Pearl River, how lovely are your big waves.
Oh Pearl River, Oh Pearl River, your pollution is so terrifying. Oh Pearl River, Oh Pearl River, your pollution is so horrifying. The fishies wi-ill cry-yie-ie, also they will ju-st die. Oh Pearl River, Oh Pearl River, and we all feel so so sad.
Your pollution is very bad, and we all feel so so sad. Oh Pearl River, Oh Pearl River, how lovely are your big waves.
Original art by Hugo Cornish, Grade 2
Oh Pearl River, Oh Pearl River, What would we eat without you? Oh Pearl River, Oh Pearl River, What would our Hac-Sa be like? Oh Pearl River, Oh Pearl River. It’s time to clean up the muck. Oh Pearl River, Oh Pearl River, How lovely are your big waves.
All because of a Shell…. I was six when I went to Singapore to visit my family. There we went to the beach where I had an unbelievable memoir. I will tell you that memoir. I could feel the hot sand tingling on my feet whilst running on the beach. I was trying to find a lot of beautiful shells, when my father came to help.We collected a lot of shells together. After collecting shells, my father went to lie in the sun. I went into the sea all by myself when suddenly the wind blew stronger and I was so light that I got blown right into the sea! The sounds of the wind was so loud like a dinosaur roaring at me. Luckily, my father opened his eyes and saw me struggling. He got up, ran into the sea and pulled me up! He saved me! I was as happy as an Easter bunny sitting next to chocolate Easter eggs. I went to lie in the sun next to my father. My mum gave me a snack to cool me down. I am lucky I got saved by my dad. That’s why I started taking swimming lessons. When I got home, my mum had a tired and sleepy girl. Now you know the story. So if you are a person who doesn’t know how to swim….Trust me! Your life will be easier. So sign yourself up now! By Amber-Lea Teo, 3-1
Macau I am watching my favorite film, Black Beauty, about a horse and, and… sorry I can’t continue, my mom and dad are talking. I can only hear, “What … you have a new job?” my mom sounds surprised. My dad is an architect and he loves his job, how could he give it up? Shhh, my dad is talking, “Noooo, I do not have a new job!” He is getting frustrated. See, I know my dad simply adores his job. And my mom again, “So what are you talking about?” I am getting a little confused and suspicious, then my dad looks around just like spies or secrets agents do in movies, and he continues in a low voice, “I’m going to design restaurants and clothes shops in a hotel called VENETIAN, but Venetian is in Macau and…” This is when I interrupt him because I am exploding with curiosity, “Where is Macao and what is Ve… Va...what?” “Venetian, honey.” I am getting angry, I don’t know why, just angry, so I ask again, “And what’s Macao then?” My father and my mother look at each other for a long time (it is a little embarrassing), then, finally, my mother shrugs and my father clears his throat and says, “I think… you don’t need to know... yet.” (Have I told you I do not like family secrets? Well, if I haven’t yet, I need to warn you, I really don’t!) “Why can’t you just tell me?” I am shouting with all my might, (great, now my brother is watching) “Now I’m big enough to know what’s actually going on with my family!!! Why can’t I?” I am still shouting, but I have to stop because my throat is beginning to hurt. I don’t want to yell anymore because my parents seem pretty sad that I am shouting like a maniac. I love them a lot and the last thing I want to do is make them sad and if you think about it, it isn’t even their fault that my dad has a job somewhere else. Well, I stomp up the stairs and slam the door of my bedroom. I started to cry while thousands of questions are crowding my mind… What is Macao!? Why did they keep it a secret from me?... I come back to reality when I hear my mom talking to me, “Honey-bunches are you OK? I know it’s confusing.” I feel sorry for her. She seems preoccupied, so I reply “Is it OK? No, it’s not OK, but mom you need to know it’s not your fault, it’s not even daddy’s fault, I just DO NOT want dad to leave again on one of his trips.” (Not long ago, my dad went to Saudi-Arabia for a year). I am trying to blink back the tears. My mom returns downstairs, I go to bed, and resent the fact that because of them and their Macao I didn’t get to see the rest of my favorite movie. The next morning I wake up on the wrong side of the bed still thinking about that Macao thing. My mom and dad sit me down. We huddle together on the couch to have the TALK. They tell me that Macao is an island and blah di blah and doodley do... but the thing that worries me is when my mom says, “We are going altogether to Macao.” I start panicking and worrying. I say in a trembling voice, “WHAAAAT?” My mom repeats what she has just said. Yeah, I heard right. The next few weeks fly by full of panic, terror and worries, the worst few weeks ever! First you can imagine my mom saying that Macao was the best place ever. Next she pushes a little more. It’s a warning, we are sure to go to Macao. Then her frustration reaches its limit and she yells, “We are going to Macao, full stop!” I am so sick of it, so I’m just going with it. The last day we organize a party with my schoolmates. Everyone is sad I’m leaving, but I’m the saddest. At the end of the party of SADNESS we all hug and say bye. (Wait a minute, I know I’m returning to italy again soon!) I am about to cry, but something is holding me back. I am going to meet other children from other schools, but I’m still going to miss my old schoolmates! Now I am really crying. I’m going to miss my grandparents! Everybody! I finally am going to bed. Today is the day! We take the bus to the airport in Milan and I sleep the entire trip. We go in and wait for the airplane and as we get on, I learn that we are going to fly for ten hours (boring!), but at least we have the permission to watch as many movies as we want. After watching I think nine movies I go to sleep thinking hhmm perhaps this experience isn’t so bad. My mom wakes me up as the plane lands. I sleep walk all the way to the ferry, and the second I step outside I start crying like a little baby. It is so hot and humid, not like Italy where summers are always warm and breezy. I want to run back into the cold airport.
When we arrive in front of our new building, I feel terrible again. It is soooo big and soooo tall! (WOW!) We take the elevator (I am still crying) to the tenth floor. (We are going up so high, I’m starting to feel sick!) Ding! Finally the escalator reaches the tenth floor, my dad opens the door and ta,da! A beautiful room just in front of me. The first thing I want to know is where the beds are. I collapse on one of them and go to sleep. I fight jet lag for a few days sleeping during the day and staying up all night. It’s summer, so I do not need to go to school YET. I spend the entire summer here in Macau, but now it’s time for school to start. I am nervous and sad, I know I am not going to like it. Our principal, Ms. Jazz shows me around the school: kindergarten, division one… and… division two which is my floor….(Oh, no! I’m going to meet my NEW friends! Oh no! OR Oh yes!?) Slowly, slowly I walk up the stairs. Gulp! (sorry that was me!) Ms. Jazz encourages me, “Don’t worry sweetie, I know it can be difficult meeting NEW friends!” (NEW, NEW, NEW bounces in my head). Ms. Jazz slowly opens the door. A lot of kids my age say “Hi!” politely and cheerfully. They seem so nice! The classroom is all decorated in cheerful colors. My teacher says hi to me with a big smile of happiness and encouragement. My emotions change from nervousness to happiness. I think I’m going to have a lot of fun with my new schoolmates and my new teacher. I’m going to love Macau, my new school, my new schoolmates and my new teacher. I’ll forever remember Macau as my second home. By: Kate Wilson, Grade 5
Photo by Kelvin Sin, Grade 10
The Rock
Jiu walked along the banks of the Pearl River watching the water collide into the sand. The sunrise caused swirls of mandarin orange, indigo, cotton candy pink and yellow to shine in the sky. The entrancing colors could not distract Jiu though. She was staring intently at the sand as the morning tide lapped at her feet. She was looking for shells and stones, for her job was to sell the fancy ones while keeping her favorites. The best stones were always in the river. The clouds drifted across the sun, but a sliver of light shone through, making the sand shimmer. There was something there! Digging furiously, Jiu pulled up an exquisite rock. It was red-brown with a silky texture and a golden luster. Full of excitement, she ran to her hut by the river. “Hi,” her brother Xiang called. “Where is Grandma?” Jiu asked. “In the kitchen. She is baking sweet custard buns. She and Xiang walked into the small kitchen where the air was filled with the scent of vanilla custard. “Look what I found, Grandma!” Jiu called out. Her grandmother turned and gasped at the sight of the unique rock. “Could it be?” she muttered. She took the stone from Jiu’s outstretched hand and examined it. “It is!” “Is what?” Jiu asked. “We better sit.” The siblings and grandmother went to the mat in the living room. “My tale begins long ago when I was young. Ah, these bones still remember the day when they could steer a ship!” Grandmother chuckled. “One foggy night, I awoke to a strange noise. I was on a sailing expedition to the point where the Pearl River flows into the South China Sea. I ventured up on the deck. The crisp sea air chilled my lungs with each breath. The ship rocked slightly back and forth. The moon was barely visible through the thick mist. I could only see the shadows that danced in the eerie night. The black waters churned below. An ominous creaking came from the hold of the ship. I wondered what was lying in the threatening water. As if in answer to my thoughts, I heard a mysterious melody. I tried to see where it was coming from. No one was onboard with me, but the sound was still ringing through the air. It was a spooky song I couldn’t understand and the shivers running down my spine weren’t from the cold. I glanced over my shoulder, suddenly nervous that there was someone behind me. I suddenly felt compelled to look into the empty waters. I tried to calm myself, but my instincts were telling me not to go near the ship’s rail. Was someone down there? My heart was thumping against my chest, as I cautiously peeped over the edge. I grabbed for the rail with fear, but I slipped and toppled over the edge, clutching the rail tightly and screaming loudly. My legs were hanging into empty space. I glanced down and saw a gruesome face peering at me from beneath the waves. It was a rotted corpse with grotesque features. It smiled a wicked smile at me. Then it lashed out and grabbed my ankle with its slimy hand. It yanked hard and my fingers fumbled. I kicked and screamed, but it only held on tighter. My fingers were bleeding from being scraped mercilessly. The blood seemed to make it more determined. With a tremendous pull, my fingers left the wood, and I toppled down into the water’s unloving embrace. The water demon pulled me under and I glanced helplessly at the surface watching the bottom of the boat sail farther and farther away. I took one last helpless glance at the surface, my lungs burning as if a flame was consuming me, and then, the fire went out and I closed my eyes. My final breath escaped; death and water enclosed me.”
Grandma paused for emphasis, her grandchildren’s eyes wide. “When I regained consciousness, I was inside an underwater cave. Tiny pools of water told me that high tide was coming. I stumbled forward. Soon the water level began to rise alarmingly and, in no time, it was almost to the roof of the cave. I held my breath and dove into the salty waters. I swam ferociously. I finally made it to the surface. Then she appeared.” “Who was she?” Xiang inquired. “Her name was Matsu which means Empress of the Sea. She wore a red billowing gown and hovered over the water. Two demons were with her. One was red with two horns and the other was green with one horn. ‘Where am I?’ I spluttered. ‘What has happened?’ ‘You were attacked by a shui gui, the spirit of a drowned person. They lurk around the place they die and drown whoever they can get their hands on. They possess their victim. Then that person takes the shui gui’s place,” said the Empress. “You are lucky to be alive. That stone you’re holding is a powerful talisman. It warded off the demon and kept you alive.” There was more, but Grandma didn’t repeat her last words for fear they may come true. She paused as flashbacks flooded her memory. The murder at the inn: the little ghost girl’s stare, words ringing through her head. “Is everything alright?” Xiang asked worriedly. “I am fine. Just memories. In a spiral of water vapor, she disappeared and I was back home. I thought I’d lost the stone in the river, but it decided to give it back, I suppose.” “I will go put it on my shelf!” Jiu exclaimed, rushing to her room with her brother close behind. Grandma stood staring out at the Pearl River. “I knew one day I must give the children the burden of the family curse and tell them what happened years ago on Halloween. I can’t fight monsters anymore.” The river said nothing but it, too, knew that Grandmother’s story was just starting... By Ayla Lee, Grade 6
Original art by Biebiean Chao, Grade 10
Photo by Eduardo Sequeira, Grade 12
The Scream - Mood Writing The wind howled as I walked down the apocalyptic world known as Earth. My hurried footsteps echoed across the damp, abandoned street I had become familiar with. Blood ran like water. Turning a corner, I stopped. Looking behind me, I heard a slight noise from the street I had just exited. Taking in strangled breaths, I slowly crept and blended in with the shadows cast by the great walls looming on either side of me. Home. Home, I thought. I need to make it back alive. The sound was closer now. Maybe, just maybe, it will run past me. Yes! I thought as I saw the door to my ramshackle house. My hopes soared. Overgrown with moss and mold, they will not think to look in there. After all, the war being waged had calmed down a bit. The soldiers were not raiding as often. I heard footsteps, and, seeing the opportunity, I ran. Closer, closer, almost there… A half smile formed on my face. I would make it. I felt something, or someone, grasp my mucky hair. The pull made me slip backwards. No! I thought as i fell. The darkness enveloped me. Then the painful screams started. By Kesha King 7-2
Original art by Kaman Ieong, Grade 12
June 12th, 1099 BC Dear diary Yesterday the Emperor Tang, was pleased with me for bringing in such important crops and paying so much money in tax. He gave me permission to attend the religious ceremony to celebrate the offering to our god of prosperity, so our country can become even richer. I went early in the morning to the goldsmith to order a talisman out of the purest gold. I paid a lot of money because it is a one of a kind. Nobody has ever made, seen, or imagined an object of so much beauty before. It is round, with a hole in the center, and has swirly patterns all over its surface. I’m going to hang it from the silk robe that covers the statue of our god. Early this morning (I like to be really punctual for an important ceremony), I was invited to Emperor Tang’s breakfast room. it was the most opulent room I’d ever seen: the furniture was covered in gold and more than 100 000 pearls were attached to the walls. It was the most amazing day of my life!!! I bowed to the Emperor who was sitting on a gold throne. He showed me to sit down next to him and the servants who also wore gold and precious stones served the best noodles I had ever tasted. We ate everything and then it was time to make the offering to our god. We went outside with servants following us the entire time and offering us some of the juiciest fruit I had ever tasted, but that was nothing. We came to the statue of our god and it was 4 meters tall, made of blue and white jade. We prayed for one hour and then it was time for the offering. The Emperor Tang offered a really expensive painting, and when it was finally my turn, I held out my gold talisman. Later on when I checked, my offering was no longer there. I think our god has taken it. That means he liked it and he will help our people. Now I can go to bed in peace. By Kate Wilson
Shang dynasty 1100 BC March 21 Dear diary, Today is just like any other happy day... counting money, counting money, and counting more money! Well, and of course watching farmers toil under the hot, burning sun. Okay, let's see ... what’s happening this week? Oh! I almost forgot that the harvest festival is about to start in a few hours, and the prize will be... MONEY! Of course, anything for money! I am going to go outside into the fields and ask the farmers to show me their most wonderful crops, so I can choose one that will help me win the harvest competition! First one is disgusting, second one is awful, but the third one is spectacular. Thick rich bundles of golden wheat. Wait, what is that shining among the straws? It looks like gold. Gold, gold, gold! So I reach outand grab it and it’s something I've never seen before. A golden disk with swirly cloud like designs on it and a hole in the middle. It’s absolutely exquisite! And if I don't win the festival, this disk will be my prize. By Natasha Ho
Sun by Zhaoting Hu, Grade 2 Big round sunflower Giving lights to all the planets Don’t go anywhere! Lightning by Michael Zhou, Grade 2 Yellow cracking sounds As fast as a light cheetah Come from a huge storm Rain by Mayli Bunt, Grade 2 Clear colors dripping Water soaking through the drain Sprinkling from dark clouds
Basketball by John Launch the ball into the air Bright lights shining from the ceiling Appear everywhere
Original art by Nadiah Rogan, Grade 1
Taken
It was a stormy afternoon. Rain poured down and drenched the entire city, but especially the Quell orphanage. It violently bashed onto the tin roof. It was about 4:30pm when a knock was heard. Administrator Agnes Quell slowly opened the door. She was a broad woman with tiny brown eyes and short bright red hair. “Who could it be?” she wondered. A tall man with dark slicked back hair, a brown rag coat and pale grey eyes was standing in front of her. He claimed he was an archaeologist, exploring the underground mines of Whittman. His name was Harrison Copper. Mr. Copper, due to rain, had nowhere to stay. His tent was soaked. So he was granted permission to stay the night….. The following day at breakfast, the kids ate buttered cinnamon toast and drank hot cocoa. Riley Mayton was hunched over scoffing down her meal like a tiger on the prowl when Admin Quell walked in and introduced the orphans to the newcomer, Mr. Harrison Copper. The minute Riley laid eyes on him, she loathed him, his long, sharp fingernails, and the way his grey eyes eerily followed you. He wore a long, brown rag coat and had a toothy smile. His voice made Riley think of nails on a chalkboard. It was all quite queer. The entire morning, Mr. Copper went on and on about his travels and discoveries. It sounded like he had rediscovered the 19th century. Riley was relieved when it was over. She found it very unsettling how Mr. Copper played with her little brother Mason. Admin Quell thought it would be an educational experience for them if he told them about his journey, but really, she found him quite charming, so he was asked to stay longer. Riley heard the curfew bell and drowsily zombie-walked to her bedroom. Her brother, Mason was already fast asleep, sucking his thumb. She hopped into her bed next to Mason’s metal crib (Riley actually thought it looked like a jail cell) and she succumbed to a deep comfortable sleep. It was about 2am when Riley awoke with a fright. There was a banging on their door. She opened it to find the denmother, Raquel, come to check on them. She probably stayed for an hour rocking Mason slowly back to sleep. Meanwhile, Riley remembered her wretched day and Mr. Copper always playing with Mason. It made her wonder what his story was. Soon after, Riley drifted off to sleep once again. The next morning, Riley awoke to horrifying sight. Mason was gone! All that was left were bloodstained bedsheets, a glove half hidden under his crib, and a single lock of his curly blonde hair. Riley shrieked in absolute horror. Soon, all the workers at the orphanage, including Admin Quell surrounded her and bombarded her with questions. Had she seen anyone? When was the last time she had seen Mason? Mr. Copper rushed into Riley’s room to investigate. “It was you! It was your… tw-tw-twisted plan to take m-my baby brother. You instantly wanted him!” screamed Riley. “Shame on you Riley! Don’t blame the guest!” frowned Admin Quell. “Don’t worry Riley! I will call the best detective in town!” offered Mr Copper. “No! He’s my brother, this is my mission.” Riley was not selfish but she wanted to be the one to solve this case. Riley gathered her thoughts as she paced back and forth. Who were the suspects? Mr. Copper and Raquel (of course!). Mr. Copper because he was an untrustworthy stranger and Raquel because she was in the room for about an hour while Riley and Mason slept. Suddenly, Riley noticed a clue. Raquel’s handkerchief was bloodstained and lay by the open window. Next to it was…. She didn’t have a chance to take a better look because the lights went off. In the pitch black room, somebody grabbed Riley by the neck and jabbed a sharp fingernail into her. Riley struggled to breathe, slowly choking. A flame was brought to her neck. It was hot. Riley tried to hold back tears. She shrieked in agony. “If you are smart, you won’t look for your brother,” she heard a hoarse voice. The lights came back on and in a flash, she was alone again. Now Riley was determined to find Mason. So far, she had found 3 clues. Mr. Copper’s glove, Raquel’s handkerchief and the bloody footprints along the floor. Riley decided to search all the rooms in the orphanage. It was night, the moon glistened and the stars shone bright. Arrays of colours scattered across Whittman Valley. Riley searched all the rooms, but she found nothing, except for Raquel’s scrapbook filled with photos of Zac Efron. Admin Quell’s room was the last one. She walked in and started looking around. It seemed fine. Old and dusty, but fine. Hmm…. Just then, Riley noticed an ordinary looking journal on the floor. She read the most recent entry. Riley gasped. She had caught the culprit! Riley gathered everyone in a room. “I know who dunnit!” announced Riley. “This person was Admin Quell. She did it because of love. Her love for Mr. Copper! See, Admin Quell knew that Mr. Copper liked to spend time with Mason, so she took him away out of jealousy. She used fake blood to intimidate me and she threatened me and left around things belonging to people she knew I would suspect. Just one question, ‘Where is Mason?’ ” said Riley. “He is in my room, locked in a cupboard,” admitted Admin Quell. She frowned, “If only you would have let me hire a fake detective!” Raquel called the police. When they arrived, they arrested Quell and found Mason safe. This just goes to show that anyone can be a sleuth. Even an 8 year old. Anonymous, 5-1
Original art by Ke Wang, Grade 7
Original art by Lucas Logan Wright, Grade 1-2
Survivors Long long ago, in the 1906s, there lived a boy named George and his dog Clever. He got that dog when he was born, and they grew up together. One early morning, when everyone was asleep, George, the nine year old boy, and Clever, the nine year old dog sneak out to their yard, opened their fence, and got out. ‘’C’mon, buddy! Let’s go and explore the fresh air!’’ George whispered quietly to Clever. ‘’Woof! Arf, woof!’’ Clever woofed. They two ran all the way to the park. ‘’Hmmm. . . Let’s go in, maybe I can show you the flowers, they are beautiful!’’ George considered. ‘’Arf! Arf!’’ Clever arfed. The city was quiet, so calm that you can even hear the soft wind blowing softly. ‘’It’s only 5:00, what are we going to do? Let’s play here until 6:00!’’ George asked Clever. ‘’Arooooo. . . !’’ Clever agreed. As they were playing, suddenly, out of the ground came a deep, rumbling noise. George held on to Clever’s head. He was so frightened! The noise got louder. It sounded like thunder now, the earth started shaking. Church bells chimed wildly. And then, the whole street begin to move, gaslights toppled over, chimneys fell off roofs! “Get down Clever!’’ George shouted between the raging sounds of thunder. All around them there was rumbling, crashing, clanging, and breaking. Then, the world grew still, absolutely still, the rumbling stopped. The air was all filled with dust, and George was coughing through the smoke. “That must have been an earthquake!’’ George coughed again. ‘’Woof. . . . . . . ‘’ Clever agreed. Clever tried to stand up, but he fell down. Suddenly, the rumbling came up again. It was louder and scarier than before, and it seemed to shake a long time until it finally stopped still. In the dusty air, Clever could hear George coughing in the dust, but could not see anything. His eyes burned and hurt. ‘’Clever! Clever!’’ George yelled, “Clever! Clever!’’ Clever could hear George’s voice, and followed the sound without looking, carefully. “Here! Here!’’ George yelled through his dusty throat. Clever carefully bit the bricks and hand it out to George, while George placed it on top of each other to get out. “That must be over, I wonder if our family is hurt.’’ George said to Clever. Then, slowly, there was old people coming out and sharing their stories, “I fell into the ground! Help me get out! I’m here!” People of all ages. They were all in shock. “What’s up? What happened?’’ They asked, curiously. Some of the babies were crying, and some had cut and bruises all over, bloody appearances, too. “Let’s go help someone, and then go home and see our parents. . . I hope they are okay.’’ George said. “Arr. . .” Clever answered while they were walking quickly through the city, back home. “Ding dong!’’ the bell rang. “Who’s there?’’ George’s dad answered. “It’s us, George and Clever. There was an earthquake while we’re playing outside, how is mom?’’ George said. “Come in, your mom has been injured by a book shelf,’’ George’s dad murmured. The living room was a complete mess. Chairs were broken, tables and TV had collapsed together, and there was George’s mom, lying on the sofa, with bruises all over. “Mom! Are you alright?’’ Just as George said that, they all heard an explosion and terrified screams. “Woof! Woof! Woof!’’ Clever barked. “Let’s get out of here!’’ George’s father exclaimed. “I’ll carry your mother, you go ahead!’’ George and Clever dashed out of the house,but George’s mom and dad were too slow. Suddenly fires erupted all over their house. “Mama! Papa!’’ George cried, “I don’t want to leave you! Come out! Quickly!’’ But there was no hope, they were gone. To forget his sadness, George said, “Now, let’s go see if other people need our help.’’ They first helped a man grab all the library books, then a woman interview them, then, they went more nearer and nearer to the fire, it has already burned down 14,00 houses, they have to hurry! ‘’Clever heard some other dogs whimpering in the fire barking for help, so he let George wait outside and ran in as fast as he could to save the other dogs. “Be Careful! Clever!’’ George reminded Clever. “Woof!’’ Clever answered. Twenty minutes passed, but the dog had still not come out and George was getting worried. “Clever! Clever!’’ George yelled as loudly as he could. The sounds rumbled on for a while, the fires continued to burn, but then, it all stopped. The city became quiet and calm, but also shaken by fear. George called Clever’s name many more times, but he could only see the three puppies Clever had saved. The boy was speechless. Salty, sad tears ran down his cheeks. Now he was all alone in the world... He sat down on the curb and cried. But suddenly a warm thing touched his face. It was Clever’s tongue! His dog was alive! What happiness! George got up and danced. All of a sudden an ambulance pulled over. His father got out and told George that they were taking his mother to the hospital for tests, but they were both fine. George jumped and danced for joy. This was the worst, but the best day of his life. By Linda Wu, 5-2
If You Find a Rock by Grade 5 If you find a rock, a white smooth crystal-speckled rock that is flat and no bigger than your palm, a rock that gleams in the sunlight, then you have found a Good Luck Rock. If you have a test or an exam, take your rock into your classroom, and keep it somewhere near you. Click your fingers three times, your test marks are going to be perfect. By Elyse Ng
If you find a little pebble, A dotted one and decorated with little symbols, not too many, one or two, A pebble that feels cold when you touch it, Then you, my friend, have found a Pattern Rock. It helps you think of what to do, This rock helps you think of the next thing to draw. Use it when you sketch on a piece of paper. It will inspire you. So everytime you want to sketch, do not look in a book, but rather look at this phenomenal pebble. by Isaac Iao
If you find a rock, a round smooth shimmering rock, That feels smooth and vibrant to the touch, Then you have found a Buddy rock! If you hold it close to your chest when you are lonely, it comforts you and makes you feel loved. The rock is like a buddy to you and you will never, ever feel lonely again! by Thomas Zhang Original art by Kelly Vong, Grade 10
The Staff of the LOTIS Magazine
Kate Wilson, 5-2
Elyse Ng, 5-2
Bernice Gill, 5-2
Siena Longhurst, 5-1
Kesha King, 7-2
Kelly Vong, Grade 10
Rebecca Bayliss, Grade 10
Natasha Ho, 5-2
Jeya Verschuren, 5-2
Tema Souliere, 5-2
Bianca Acconci, Grade 5-3
Anneliese Marques, 5-3
Alice Niu, Grade 8
Afreen Gouse, Grade 8
Editor-in-chief: Ms. Doina Tonner Graphic Design Consultant: Ms. Sandra Kuipers A warm thank you to all the teachers and students who have submitted art and written works. A debt of gratitude is owed to Ms Maureen Kelly, Mr Phil O’Flaherty, and Ms Shevon Wilson for carefully selecting, scanning and submitting all the exquisite art and photography pieces. This magazine would not have been possible without you. Ka Hou Choi, 5-2
Original art by Irene Lam
Photo by Eduardo Sequeira, Grade 12
