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<Prev. // Next> First Fiction (Part 1)
Contents of ESL By Lisa Lee
“Bam, Bam, Bam…” A string of red firecrackers, hanging in front of Tin Ming’s house, exploded loudly while the bride-sedan was approaching. Children were jumping around and giggling. The folks of Panloung village were watching with curiosity. Someone whispered, “Hey, is the bride pretty?”
A woman said, “Don't know, but was
living in
"Oh, that is a big city!" A young girl sighed with envy.
An old woman twitched her toothless mouth, and said, "Hunnh. You
Fools! If I were Tin Ming's mother I would rather choose a farmer's daughter to
be my daughter-in-law."
"Look!"
All heads turned to the sedan.
The whispering stopped.
The chaperon (a woman in charge of the wedding procedure) helped the bride out of the sedan. Kui Hua, the bride, was a slim girl, wearing an embroidered Chinese ancient wedding gown. A red bridal veil covered her head and face. Kui Hua’s heart beat faster. She felt uneasy while the chaperon was leading her toward her new home. She never met her groom, only knew he was an only child living with his mother. She touched her waist unconsciously. Tin Ming, an eighteen-year-old bridegroom, was a good-looking young man. He was very excited at waiting for his bride. His hands held a red silk love-knot with two long strips. When Kui Hau walked in, the chaperon put one of the strips in her hand and led the bride and groom to the hall where Tin Ming’s mother and all his relatives were waiting for the wedding ceremony.
The chaperon (a woman in charge of the wedding procedure) helped the bride out of the sedan. Kui Hua, the bride, was a slim girl, wearing an embroidered Chinese ancient wedding gown. A red bridal veil covered her head and face. Kui Hua’s heart beat faster. She felt uneasy while the chaperon was leading her toward her new home. She never met her groom, only knew he was an only child living with his mother. She touched her waist unconsciously. Tin Ming, an eighteen-year-old bridegroom, was a good-looking young man. He was very excited at waiting for his bride. His hands held a red silk love-knot with two long strips. When Kui Hau walked in, the chaperon put one of the strips in her hand and led the bride and groom to the hall where Tin Ming’s mother and all his relatives were waiting for the wedding ceremony.
The chaperon announced solemnly, “Groom and bride, first, worship the heaven and earth.” Thin Ming and Kui Hau knelt down and nodded their head on the ground. “Second, worship ancestors and parents.” They bowed to Tin Ming’s mother and a few portraits that were hanging on the wall. Looking at the young couple, Tin Ming’s mother was so happy that her eyes became wet. She gave them the lucky money and blessed them “Be happy and love each other forever.” The chaperon said, “Now, groom and bride bow to each other.” Tin Ming and Kui Hua turned around face to face, and bowed together. Then the hall was bustling with clapping, blessing, and laughter. Kui Hua was escorted to the bridal chamber (their bedroom). Tin Ming stayed with his mother and relatives for the small wedding banquet.
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