one of my most vivid memories of childhood was taking the Star Ferry to Kowloon with my brother and my 大伯娘 (dad’s eldest brother’s wife) one night when i was six or seven years old. i had always liked boat rides, even those that cut through the soy sauce sea that is Victoria Harbour, but this would put an end to that enjoyment for some time.
so there we were, sitting quietly as the ferry rumbled toward the skyline, when my aunt suddenly told me that a sea monster had risen from the water and eaten a former occupant of my seat just the week before. seeing my eyes go wide, she quickly answered my questions. no, she wasn’t joking. yes, it was this particular seat on this particular boat. i looked nervously at my brother but he just nodded solemnly.
absolutely terrified, i stared out into dark waters and wondered if i was next.