Pao-Lien and the Cave Dragon, Wu
night 6 :: April 14, 3000 CE
Pao-Lien has no trouble finding her house in the bright moonlight; it is in the same place. But instead of a sod hut, it is a charming, tidy, black-glass pavillion. Pao-Lien's stepmother is waiting.
"My daughter, I have been so worried about you. I've been on the Globe-View all evening, watching the events on Wu Mountain! How brave you are, and how good that you were able to find the right shoes!"
"Yes, dear stepmother. But is father still at his wheel? Can I learn to make pottery?" Pao-Lien asks.
"Your father has had much good fortune in the time you have been gone--thanks to the Mr. Dragon Wu, I believe. He has decided to send you to business school in Bejing, instead. Would you like that?"
Pao-Lien is very happy with this arrangement. Even before there was writing, she had wanted to learn to read.
"But before you leave, you need to go shopping in the SkyMall with your brother, Li. I have an e-mail message that Madam Wu will interview him for a job in her WuChain Electronic Enterprises, Inc. They have over 100 million customers daily. These sport shoes will not do."
And so the story ends. But there is an epilogue.
Pao-Lien finishes business school and goes on to become the President of WuChain Electronic Enterprises when Dragon Wu retires. She includes a selection of her father's wonderful pottery in the on-line catalogue.
Li continues as Vice-President of Madam Wu's company.
morning 1 :: April 14, 2000 BCE
morning 2 :: April 14, 1000 BCE
highnoon 3 :: April 14, 0 CE
afternoon 4 :: April 14, 1000 CE
twilight 5 :: April 14, 2000 CE
night 6 :: April 14, 3000 CE