[2] Farewells

"So what are the Ant wars?" I asked.

"It's a reality game show, you can find it on some adult streaming websites..." Meng-Chao's voice trembled.

"So how does the game work?" I asked with an intriguing voice.

"You got 2 teams with 10000 people on each side, and they just fight it out."

"Fight it out? Like real fighting?"

"Yeah, people sometimes even die in them."

"Sometimes?" I narrowed my eyes.

"Yeah, it's risky. But the payout is pretty good."

"How much are we talking here?"

"100K USD regardless if you win or lose. And for the side that wins, there will be an additional 100K payout."

100K USD…

My mom's medical bills…

A better life…

"Bro you still with me?" Meng-Chao patted my shoulder with one hand.

"Yeah bro, I am still here with you." I said, though I knew I didn't sound too convincing myself.

"Don't go bro, it's dangerous. You might die." He warned.

"Bro. Where do I sign up?"

"Bro! Are you even listening!" He shook me with both hands.

"Yeah! I am listening!" I pushed his hands away.

"You don't have to do this…It's really too dangerous…It's not worth it…"

"DO I LOOK LIKE I HAVE FKING CHOICE!" I shoved him down to the ground.

"My mom needs money for her treatment, even if we sell everything we owe right now, it still wouldn't be enough!"

"There has to be another way bro…"

"THERE IS NO OTHER FKING WAY!" I burst out again.

A minute later when the fumes settled, I squatted down next to Meng-Chao.

"I did the math…Even if I managed to find another job like the sweatshop, I will only be making 10 RMB an hour. That will stay take me 20000 hours to make that amount. I work 12 hours a day and minus all over daily necessities cost, it would still take me more then 4 years to make that amount. But my mom doesn't have 4 years…"

"I am sorry bro…" He placed a hand on my shoulder. "I shouldn't have given you that idea."

"No." I shook my head. "I should thank you bro. Cause now, at least I have a chance."

The two of us sat together side by side as we watched the currents of the brown murky river filled with garbage flows by.

After what seemed like an eternity of silence, Meng-Hao finally spoke up:

"Try not to fking die bro, you hear me? Cause I am placing my bets all on you." He clapped my shoulder.

"I will try my best not to fking die." I said with a low chuckle.

A moment passed. We both burst out laughing.

"Good. Meal's on me when you come back."

"Word." I grinned.

***

The door squeaked open to the 4x4 room that I call home.

"Lil Wang?" My mom said, as she rolled around from the bed.

"Mom…" I gulped.

"What time is it? Why did you come home so late?"

"I had a chat with Meng-Chao and I kind of lost track of the time."

"Next time come home early alright?"

"Yes mom." I said as took off my shoes and got into my slippers. "I am gonna go look for some work in the city tomorrow." I said as I washed my face.

My mom let out a deep sigh.

"Lil Wang…If your dad was still here, then you wouldn't have to go through this."

"Don't mention him!" I snapped and turned off the water. "Sorry, it's not towards you mom."

"It's fine. It's mom's fault, holding you back like this." She finished her sentence with a cough.

I got her some hot water and poured it into a glass cup.

"Drink slowly mom." I said, as I handed her the cup carefully.

She took over the cup and drank in slow sips.

"Alright, that's enough." My mom handed the water cup back to me and slumped back into the bed weakly.

"I am going to be gone into the city for about a week." I spoke, unable to meet her eyes. "Meng-Chao will take care of you while I am gone."

"Alright, just stay safe out there will you?" She said with a genuine voice.

I was at a loss of words for a moment, a moment later, I lifted up my face and putted up the best façade smile I could come up with.

"I…I will mom."

"That's good." My mom smiled.

I gave a small nod, and then kissed her on the forehead.

"Good night Lil Wang." She said.

"Good night mom." I said as I got down on my own bedroll next to her bed.

Ant wars?

I wonder what kind of game would it be…

***

The next day, me and Meng-Chao hitched a ride on one of the swine trucks heading towards the city.

Upon reaching the city of Kun-Ming, we got off and Meng-Chao pointed the building of where to sign up.

"This is it bro." He gave me a firm clap on the shoulder.

"Yeah…This is it…Probably." I returned the clap.

"Don't fking die. My money is all on you." He grinned.

"You bet." I shot a grin back.

We then pulled each other in for a hug.

"Alright, good luck to you bro." He said with a softer voice this time.

"Thanks bro." My voice softened as well.

A moment later we pulled apart.

We waved each other good bye.

Once they were out of sight, I turned around and faced the doors.

This is it…

No turning back…

I stepped forward and pushed opened the black doors.

Q: Do you feel the same struggle as well?