This is a reimagined version of the classic tale---The Bridge To Terabithia. It's a part of my NaNoWriMo or Novel Writing November exercise for 2025.
BREAKING AWAY
The dinner, the table groaned under the weight of homemade delights – a steaming platter of Singapore-style Chilli Crab– succulent chunks of crab in a tangy, spicy tomato-chilli sauce, fragrant stir-fried Kai Lan with garlic and oyster sauce, delicate handmade Xiaolongbao filled with pork and aspic along with bowls of fragrant Thai Jasmine Rice.The scents mingled, tantalizing, but Leonie's appetite had vanished into the churning sea of her thoughts.
Nai Nai’s observant eyes met Leonie's occasionally, her expression unreadable.
Unexpectedly, Nai Nai's voice rose a notch, her tone taking on a slightly imperious edge. "Leonie, I have something special to tell you. Something that will be very important to your future."
Leonie's heart skipped a beat and she went pale as Nai Nai fished out a picture of a dapper young man. "This is Zhen Wei," she announced, her voice dripping with honeyed sweetness. "He's the son of a respected business associate. You two will be getting married." That marked a seal on Leonie’s dreams and destiny!
The Langs gaped at each other. Leonie's eyes widened in horror even as her chopsticks clattered to the floor. This was a punch in the gut and a perfect way to ruin the reunion. She refused to look at the picture, keeping her eyes down.
“Leonie!” Startled, she turned her gaze to look at Nai Nai, her thoughts cut abruptly. “Where are your manners?”
Humiliated beyond tolerance Leonie snapped back. “Well, Nai Nai it would have done me much good if you'd taken the trouble to inform me in advance. I wouldn't have even bothered to show up with my so-called lack of manners.”
Madam Wong’s knuckles went white as she clutched the satin tablecloth. Jinli hid behind the pantry door and peeked from behind it, trembling at the sudden turn of events. Leonie was on her feet, her eyes flashing and waving her finger angrily at Madam Wong seated across her at the head of the table.
Madam Wong’s eyes were narrowed slits, her voice taking on a stern tone. "You would do well to remember your place, Leonie.’
"I won't do it.I won't marry him. I want to make my own choices." Leonie said suddenly, her voice a low tremor, her chopsticks clattering against the plate. The room froze. “You can't make me do what you want!”
Madam Wong's face turned red with rage, her eyes flashing with anger. "Get out! Get out of this house, you ungrateful foundling! You're not welcome here anymore!"
The rage rising in her by degrees was unmistakable!
The words hung like a challenge, met with Madam Wong's cold demeanour. Leonie stood defiantly,her chair scraping back, a sound that seemed to shatter the fragile calm.
The argument swirled, voices rising before Mei's pleading. But Leonie thundered upstairs, made a phone call and instantly packed a small bag with essentials, her books, files and a few cherished items.
"I'll arrange for Nelson to drive me," she said. "If you ever try to trace me from where Nelson dropped me off, I'll disappear never to be found again. Don't even try. I'll return when this clownish idea has been scrapped for good. This is too much to digest right now let alone discuss. Goodbye."
She bowed low as a mark of respect and apology but her voice was steely, laced with a determination that bordered on desperation.
“Leonie! Bâo Bêi! You don't mean that you're walking out of the house right away?? Please…come back…don't be like this…Leonie… at least tell me where are you moving out?" Mei was in a fluster even as Leonie slammed the front door and raced down the steps.
*****
Raymond Lang stormed into the living room, his eyes blazing with anger. "What's the commotion about? What's going on here? I'm working upstairs, my clients are on the phone and this house has an environment of a roadside fair. Where's Leonie headed so late at night??" he demanded, his voice firm and commanding.
Mei filled him in on the details, her voice shaking with emotion. Raymond's face grew darker with every word.
He turned to Madam Wong, his eyes cold with fury. "You've done it this time, Mother Wong. You've overstepped all civility."
Madam Wong looked up, a mixture of surprise and defiance on her face. "I was just trying to protect this family, Raymond."
Raymond's laughter was bitter. "Protect this family? You've been poisoning it with your venom ever since you arrived. It's time you left."
Madam Wong's face reddened, her eyes flashing with anger. "You can't kick me out, Raymond. Mei, your upbringing of Leonie is so poor. But then what can one expect out of an estate worker's daughter! " Madam Wong was acridly brutal, taking it all out on docile Mei.
Raymond' voice exploded. " That's it! You've said more than enough. This is my home, Mother Wong. And Leonie is my daughter. How dare you call her a foundling. You've overstayed your welcome and Mei’s hospitality. Leave right now! I don't care where you go. My daughter has walked out of the house at this hour of the night because of you!" He strode towards the front door in a rage and yanked it open. Without a word he pointed a finger at Madam Wong and then outside.
Madam Wong's face fell, her eyes filling with shock. "But...but what about the Lunar New Year week?"
Raymond's voice was firm. "You were only invited for dinner, Mother Wong. And it's over. Now, it's time you packed your bags and left."
Madam Wong's eyes narrowed, her voice dripping with venom. "Fine. I'll leave. But mark my words, Raymond, you will regret this."
Raymond's face was set, his eyes flashing with determination. "I doubt it, Mother Wong. I'm going to book you at the Topaz Rises. Stay there as long as you please before you leave for Taiwan. Don't ever look us up again", his voice boomed over her head
Madam Wong, humiliated to the core, slinked out of the room, her bags packed and waiting by the door. Mei slumped on the couch, her eyes filled with a mix of sadness and relief. Days of holding back gave way to wracking sobs as she hugged a cushion close and cried out for Leonie…
As Madam Wong walked out of the house, Raymond watched her go, his eyes never leaving her back.
The door closed behind her, and Raymond let out a deep breath. He turned to Mei, his eyes filled with concern. "Are you okay?"
Mei nodded, her eyes filling with tears. "I'm fine, Raymond. Just...just glad she's gone."
Raymond nodded, his eyes flashing with deep concern…I pray that Leonie is okay…
******
Nelson, the loyal chauffeur, waited with the sleek sedan in the driveway, his expression impassive as Leonie slipped into the backseat, her bag beside her. Jinli appeared at the door, a bundle in her hands. "Here, Leonie. Some things for you. Be safe, okay?" Leonie's hug was warm and full of gratitude.
The car glided through the night streets, heading to Rachel's – a distant cousin. Rachel's family was away on holiday, but Ah Lian, their loyal housekeeper and the rest of the staff was there, ensuring the bungalow was warm and welcoming.
Leonie's breathing steadied as Nelson stopped the car outside Rachel's gate. Ah Lian opened the door, her kind face lighting with concern. "Miss Leonie, come in, come in. I've kept some supper warm for you – Niangao with sesame and a bowl of congee with preserved eggs." Leonie smiled faintly, feeling a touch of comfort at Ah Lian's caring words.
"Thank you, Ah Lian," Leonie said softly, stepping into the bungalow's warmth. Nelson nodded goodbye, his expression understanding. "Keep well, Miss Leonie."
Inside, Ah Lian bustled quietly, ensuring Leonie was settled.
She thought about her parents, about Jinli, about Madam Wong's furious expression. And about herself – who was she, really?
A foundling…The questions swirled. Then put it down to the the senile hag's acid tongue.
Leonie unpacked slowly, putting her things away. She started browsing listings for rentals, thinking about places she might want to live. Somewhere peaceful. Somewhere she could breathe and study in peace.
She wanted out of the city proper, somewhere with space. Her search narrowed down to consider places with rolling hills, lakes glimmering in the distance and the quiet countryside…
Leonie sat at a small desk, surrounded by papers and scribbled notes, the warm glow of the afternoon sun casting a cozy light on her face. She scoured every inch of the local newspaper's classifieds to find it. The air was thick with the scent of freshly brewed coffee and fresh warm Cranberry Cake prepared by Ah Lian.
Ravenous, Leonie took a big bite of the cake and began to pour over the listings. She had been searching for a couple of days and her eyes were starting to tire from the endless stream of bland descriptions and overpriced listings.
As she read, Leonie would occasionally circle a listing, jot down a note, or make a quick phone call to inquire about the property. "Hello, I'm calling about the ad in the newspaper... yes, could you tell me more about the property?" she'd ask, her voice filled with hope.
The real estate agent on the other end would regale her with tales of spacious rooms, picturesque views, and convenient locations. Leonie would listen intently, her mind painting vivid pictures of her future home. But more often than not, the reality would fall short of her expectations.
Undeterred, Leonie continued her search, convinced that her dream home was out there, waiting for her. The afternoon sun began to dip below the horizon, casting a warm orange glow over the room, and Leonie knew she had to keep going.
A week went by and Leonie's search became a routine. She would wake up early, grab a hasty breakfast and make a list of potential places to visit, and then set out to explore the Virginia countryside. It was beautiful, with rolling hills and lush forests stretching as far as the eye could see.
One listing in particular caught her eye: Lake Creek District, Rosemonte Greene, 2 bedrooms, 2 bathrooms, lake views, quiet neighbourhood, $500/month, available immediately.
Leonie's heart skipped a beat as she read the description again, her finger tracing the words on the page. This could be it, she thought. This could be her new home.
Lake Creek District. The words touched something inside her, a faint, inexplicable pull. The newspaper article about the girl…Leslie…Leslie Burke who had drowned in the creek of Lake Creek District!
https://www.theblogchatter.com/blogrolls/chapter-6-bridging-memoriesterabithia-reclaimed
To Be Continued...
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