Corey Miller was a finalist for the F(r)iction Flash Fiction Contest (’20) and shortlisted for The Forge Flash Competition (’20). His writing has appeared in Booth, Pithead Chapel, Third Point Press, Hobart, X-R-A-Y, and elsewhere. He reads for TriQuarterly, Longleaf Review, and Barren Magazine. When Corey isn’t brewing beer for a living in Cleveland, he likes to take his dogs for adventures. Follow him on Twitter @IronBrewer or at www.CoreyMillerWrites.com
All That Remained
Li sprinted through the grimy city street on the hunt for the beast. The smell of fried crucian carp was suspended in the air like a welcoming veil to the Chinese New Year. Street vendors huddled over their fires, their breath fogging their faces as they flipped and confirmed meats for tenderness. Every year the festivities ended the same way — with the Grand Parade. The city came together and was packed elbow to elbow. Li ran past them.
The boy was small, even for his age. His hair was shoulder length, stringy, and jet black. He wished he could afford what the vendors were selling, being that the chicken had more fat on its bones than he did. Even if he could, he wouldn’t be able to stomach food now. Li pushed his long hair back and tucked it behind his ears to utilize his peripheral — but he knew he would hear it first.
As Li sprinted down a back alley he reflected on his Grandfather’s wisdom, “Li, the dragon is the symbol for power and strength. More importantly for me now, it is also the symbol of luck.” Fits of coughing exploded from the old man’s throat as he grabbed for his handkerchief. The noises were hard and crackling, but Li stayed at his hospital bedside. The veins glowed through his Grandfather’s pale skin, speckled with blue and purple blotches that were widening.
“Grandfather, you need your rest. You need your strength.”
“Listen closely, Li. It’s your turn to be the protector of the house and watch the family. You can no longer be scared.”
The parade commenced and last in line was the Dragon’s Dance. Every year the puppeteers moved fluently as they dipped and dived, holding tall poles that supported the paper scales. They soared snake-like between the gangs of percussionists. In previous years, Li would hide behind his Grandfather as the monster approached. To Li, the dragon was alive and warm. “You don’t need to hide behind me, young one. It knows me, and it knows to leave my bloodline alone. You are safe.” The memory burned in his mind, but Li remained hidden all those years. Back then his grandfather stood with such force. His presence was luminous and shielding.
The memory faded. Li lengthened his stride.
Patrons of the festival lined the road. They showcased beautiful silk gowns embellished by gold lining that swirled and circled to create intricate designs that shone bright in the sunset. They danced and cheered with pride. Everything was different today. There was less garbage blocking the fire hydrants, and the blue trash bags that did exist blended in with the banners hanging from the residents’ awnings, which were normally draped with faded clothes drying for the next work day.
Li felt the shifting energy as he turned the corner. The sun was omnipotent on the horizon, and the rays raced down the blocks, striking him sharply in the face. Even though he was expecting it, Li still flinched when the drums pounded. They were distant, but sounded like they were coming from within his mind. The high frequencies cut through the children’s laughter, and the bass rumbled the pavement. Its vibration traveled up through his body into his skull. The hard mallets pounded in unison and became the city’s heartbeat. The buildings in front of the boy were tall and intimidating. This was the street that led the way.
The population was dense; the crowd was pulled towards the parade like a positive charge, creating a solid wall along the sidewalk. The beating grew louder and much more fierce. Li rushed like an arrow toward the barricade and sharply penetrated. He was encompassed by scaled performers wearing ruby red and deep yellow to mimic the beast they carried. The heat felt like the center of a volcano and stole his breath. The dancers moved with vigor, swaying and throwing their poles side to side as the dragon formed helixes around Li. The dragon was flying and the performers were merely chasing, trying to keep up. Smoke from its nostrils bellowed out, and Li’s vision became hazy. The crowd vanished and the performers disappeared. All that remained was Li and the dragon. It looked at Li with its wide emerald eyes and smiled. Its lips were full and plump, and its teeth were sharp and many. The scales were gems that reflected ancient history. The beast was a flame and the embers bounced with the loud heavy beats. It knew Li and it welcomed him.
The memory of his Grandfather resonated. “Grandfather, I’m not just scared of the dragon. I’m scared of losing you. I’m scared of disgracing my family. I’m scared of getting older.”
Li didn’t expect it, but his Grandfather laughed. “Li, you probably aren’t as scared as I am.” That was the moment Li knew he must leave his Grandfather’s bedside, to run for the fire.
The drums went silent. The dragon was before him. Li’s heart froze.
The smoke cleared. The dragon sprung high in the air, opening its mouth, ready to swallow him whole.
Strength conquering fear, Li stood his ground.