Little secrets of Wanhua Page #3

As children, we shared little secrets, in big ways, which were often spontaneous and couragous.

• Short story

								

 
Ah-xian turned to everybody, more puzzled than ever, asking “Where is the man’s stuff? Did you see it? Did I miss it?” We all burst into a loud laughter but no one could answer his question. 

Back at the homework no one seemed to be interested in, chowing down the cookies and fruits, we teased each other, mimicking the loud noise we heard and the up-and-down move the man made on the bed. Ah-xian went “Ah, Yo, Ah, Yo, Ah Yo” and flashed his butt at everybody.   

As we bantered about, two men appeared at the door. Xuejin jumped up and said, “Hi, Dad.” He pointed to a tall handsome middle-aged man with black trouser and top, with a full head of black hair and a tint of greyness. “This is my Dad. Da-baba (big Dad).” Xuejin moved to hold the hand of the other man, who was as tall but younger and stronger in frame, who also dressed in black. “This is my other Dad. I called him Xiao-baba” (little Dad).” Both greeted us warmly with very kind and gentle eyes and smiles. 

“You have two dads?” Ting Ting asked after the dads left. “Yes, they are my real mom and dad. My mother, whom you met earlier, was my aunty, a sister of my Da-baba. I was adopted. Remember when you first came in, there was the main courtyard? And there was a different path to the other side?” We all nodded in agreement. “That side was for men only – men with other men.” We all fell quiet. I had seen male street workers before, but they all worked in dark and hidden alleys. I had never imagined an establishment like this just for men. 

Xuejin continued, “I know what you all are thinking. Our place is only one in town for men with men where they know they would not be blackmailed or heckled. This is an open secret.” 

As six of us danced our way out of the brothel, holding hands, elbowing and teasing one another, the sun was beginning to set. The streetlights came on one by one, as if they were being turned on by our steps. In the dusk, Xuejin’s white shirt glowed in its yellow softness, no longer looking stiff and shiny. He turned to me and smiled a big smile as wide as the street.

End  
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