The Grand Escape

“How did you get in here?” The officer asked. “I took a taxi from my hotel to the airport at six. I am just here for a Robotics tournament and was separated from my team bus.”  

“I have to catch a flight!”  

“I don’t care, you can’t leave.”  

After having this conversion for the 6th time, I, from the initial surprise and rage, started to comprehend that I am trapped in this unfamiliar place because of the sudden lockdown of Shuangfu Street.  

It was getting late and under the suggestion of my parents, I had the driver take me to the eastern area where there are hotels still available. But the driver was still determined to find a way out, so I exchanged phone numbers with him and told him to call me if he did.  

Two hours later, the driver called me and said he had found a way out. But as I rushed to meet him, he said the road was now blocked. The last glimmer of hope was gone, and I began to face my unknown life under lockdown.  

In the evening, I called the health center to complain, but I didn’t get any help. I felt wronged, why was I so unlucky? Why didn’t the government consider the feelings of trapped people? I lay in bed, looking at the busy city center just a few blocks away, “I don’t want to stay here; I want to go home,” I whispered.  

The second day, taking my parent’s advice, I went to the community office to argue for my case. They simply replied, “It’s out of our control.” I felt helpless, why were our rights so disrespected? Why did we have to be sacrificed under the so-called public interest? That night, I dreamed of a similar situation when me and grandpa were trapped in a food market in lockdown for the protection of an important politician. I was angry but backed down, but grandpa didn’t. I still remember that wrinkled, angry yet calm face, arguing with the police, leading others to push down the barrier.  

Over the following days, the lockdown measures increased and even travels within the district started being restricted. Seeing this, I talked with my parents about escaping, but they said that it is outrageous.  

After a long internal battle, Grandpa’s furious yet calm face once again appeared in my mind. I decided to escape for my undeniable rights despite all the danger.  

I recalled that the taxi driver told me that there were still open routes near the eastern mountain side and I called him, he said he indeed heard of a country road that might be unguarded and sent me the locations. I twisted my palms nervously, but I decided to take the risk.  

Taking a big breath, I went downstairs and asked the hotel manager when the staff was on duty so I can order food. Then, I extended the hotel pay for the next three days.  

That night, I did not sleep. I stepped around my room contemplating all the scenarios and preparing all my explanation of how “I got lost.” When the clock ticked four, I tip-toed out of the yellowish-blue, alcohol-smelled hotel. The night was cold; the street was pitch black, but I did not dare to open my phone light. Thankfully, the road was only three kilometers away. However, I started walking faster, then running, as if someone was chasing me.  

Suddenly, two tall big men with black bags and masks emerged near the entryway. I tried to act calm and asked: “Hey, is Kowloon Slope this way?”  

They nodded then whispered, “Just follow us.”  

I followed them along the winding country stone road. First, there was a forest, then a yellow cornfield, a lotus pond, and an array of small mud houses at the end of the road. It was all so beautiful under the azure sky. Finally, we saw the main road.  

“I am free!” 

After returning to Guangzhou, I reported my incident to my local health center. “I don’t care, your Covid Code is not red” the officer replied. Then, I self-quarantined for a week before returning to school.