Page 63

Standing in front of the building that used to be her apartment, Anyu felt lightheaded.

It was hardly recognizable, a heap of broken windows and fallen walls, and the roof where she had said goodbye to Matthew had caved in.

The building looked like it had been bombed months ago, and all over the streets were emaciated men and women, sick or starving, signs of how difficult life had been in Hong Kong.

Three and a half years had passed. So much time had been lost. Matthew must be taller than her. He would rush out. Let’s go to the beach!

But where was he? Had he followed her instructions? Had he made his way to the monastery?

Anyu slumped on the street, short of breath, debilitated by the hike uphill.

Blackness cloaked her vision, and her ears rang strangely.

Rain pulled her up, asking if she was all right.

They should go to her home on Lantau Island, Rain was saying, but Anyu didn’t want to leave.

This was her apartment, the only place where Matthew could find her, and she would have liked to sit there and wait for him for as long as it took.

Rain was sighing, her eyes filled with pity.

“He’s alive,” Anyu said.

“You come with me, Anyu. All right? It’s not that far.”

“I know he’s alive.” Rain didn’t know about the Diamond of Life.

“Then you must get better. When you’re healthy, you’ll go find him.”

Oh yes. She would find him, and she knew how.