(Edwin, now a successful businessman, takes his wife Lucy, to the old underworld boss, the Laozi, who has requested to meet her)
The Laozi* took Lucy by her hand and sat her close to him. She perched on a well-worn wooden stool, he on another. He folded one leg, placed it on the seat with his heel pressed tight against a sinewy buttock.
He held her thin hands: they were work-hardened. He stared at her: age had sketched laugh lines. He bore into her large round eyes: they had witnessed struggles and touched lives. His eyes ventured to her neck: a thin gold chain held a crucifix. His gaze glided over her: a weathered leather strap held an old Seiko around her wrist and a wedding band on her finger.
No other trinkets, he mused. None needed to enhance your worth. He leaned back and smiled. Lucy returned his smile, looked away and sensing that he was still watching her, turned to him and held his gaze again.
The Laozi spoke in Hokkien. “I wish Mei Ling was here to meet you.”
She smiled but said nothing. The fan caught the curly strands of her hair that suspended and bounced along her ears. Lucy sat with her palms on her closed knees.
Father and daughter had met after a lifetime, each not knowing the existence of the other. There was plenty to say, much to share and a lot more to catch up. He knew now Edwin was the one for the task he had.
Edwin must have felt like an intruder, for he withdrew to a neighbouring coffee shop and found himself a glass of coarse tea sweetened with thick condensed milk. The women who plied their trade kept away from him. They knew he was family to the Laozi, the old man was more than celibate: he was Buddha.
“The streets outside are full of beautiful and willing women, yet your husband sees them not.”
“He’s an honourable man and a faithful husband.” Lucy spoke softly.
“Yes, honour and integrity are elusive chalices of the modern world. For these reasons and much more, I’ve selected him. My brothers have assessed him too and drawn the same conclusion. In fact, Straw Sandal recommended and vouched for your man. Only the Red Pole opposed it, but he is not one of us, never was.”
“Laozi, who’re these people?”
“Your man knows them. It’s for him to share with you when he thinks fit.”
(An Extract from my novel – Beck And Call, A Business Thriller Set In Singapore)
*Laozi – Old Master
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You are a master at bringing your reader into a picture not just words
Coming from a native English speaker and a master narrator yourself, your compliment is received with high regard. Thank you Ian.
All good wishes, Eric
OOooh, suspense galore here, Eric! Heir to the Buddha? Disciple? Chief Assistant? You have me boggle-eyed in anticipation of the next installment of this tale!
🙂 It is a convoluted plot and family saga. My manuscript appraisors complimented that it all came together quite well. Glad you’re enjoying it 🙂
You have such a wonderful way of writing, bringing the characters into the room with you, I love it.
Thank you
Thank you, as comments like this are like rain on parched land. All good wishes, Eric
nice bro.. i love it too…. 😀
Thank you Bro for your visit and comments 🙂
P/s I posted comments in your Together-Forever & Opened Eye Dream – went into your spam folder, I reckon
i will check.. 😀 thank you
I love this… Just love it.
Thank you Anita dear,
Trust and hope all is well in uni. You haven’t posted anything lately…must be kinda busy. My daughter is in uni too and I can understand the pressures of time.
All good wishes, Eric 🙂
Hi Eric, I’m busy at work at the moment. I work full-time and my MA is a part-time hobby. I have been writing but haven’t composed anything in a postable condition at the moment. I have been reading your posts however and enjoying them very much.
I look forward to reading more! 😀
Beautiful excerpt Eric..you have such a lovely heart and it reflects in your work. too…
How lovely the air between father and daughter and you captured that scene so beautifully 🙂
wish you a lovely day 🙂
Oh dear dear Soma,
How did I ever miss replying to this comment. Gawd, I feel like a —-
Many tnanks for your sweet sweet words.
Much luv and hugz,
Eric
Beautifull woven thoughts, dear Eric! I relished this piece (as all your writings!). Stay gold, my friend. cheers.
Thank you Shaheen dear,
Always a pleasure to have you visit and read your words.
Peace and luv, Eric
isn’t it amazying how we can read a person’s life through seeking their eyes?
If their eyes are expressive, if the person ‘reading’ them have had similar experiences and perceptive enough…if people simply invest the time to get to know another…
Many are those who read the words but do not grasp the essence, I reckon.
Peace, Eric
P/s Left a comment in your Versatile Blogger Award post