Feng Ping The first thing for her to do when she wakes up is to talk to the objects. She pats her toy cars, and says, “Cars, how are you?” There is no answer. Linda is in a panic. She knocks the box, but it is just an empty box on her shelf. The kettle doesn’t yawn any more. She turns on the computer, but it is just a normal computer and can’t talk. Everything has gone back to normal. Linda has more fear than sadness. She can’t feel the electromagnetic wave anymore either. Depressed and lonely she roams the streets, following groups of people. Unconsciously, she stops near the bridge where she first met the old woman. She is waiting for something. Not far away, she see the old woman sitting and painting. She walks over to her and finds the same woman as before. Excitedly she say, “Hello?” “How do you feel with the magic?” the old woman grins and asks. “It disappeared.” “It lies within your heart,” the old woman laughs and blinks her eyes. “Is that why you are depressed? Don’t worry. And remember, if you don’t want the magic to go it will stay. The power is in your heart.” “May I ask a question? What if I choose other doors?” “Different doors have different magic. The red one will treat you with the most delicious food in the world. The orange will make you travel to beautiful places in the world. The blue one will help you get the best grades in the class. The purple one will give you the most expensive clothes. The pink one will give you a relationship. Only the green one you chose will give you confidence.” Linda sighs, “It’s risky. So is it real or am I dreaming?” “Why not?” The old woman laughs and starts to leave. “What if the magic disappears?” “It’s in your heart,” The old woman says and slowly walks away. This is the first day without magic. Afraid of staying in bed late, Linda sets up the alarm for the following morning. She forbids herself to buy all kinds of snacks and keeps walking to school every day. She sets a goal for herself to read a list of classical literature and to get deeply immersed into the world of literature. Gradually, she develops a different view of the world and life. She studies very hard, afraid that without magic, she will change into the original shape. Wang Gang notices the change of Linda and wants to get close to her. However, to her surprise, when Wang Gang asked her if she wants to go to KTV with him she smiles slightly and politely refuses, feeling very calm in her mind. Often when returning home to her room Linda touches the objects many times, hoping to see the miracle happen again. But they just stay as silent as they are before. Occasionally she visits the bridge, wanting to meet the old woman. But it never happens. Even so, as she grows older Linda always remembers what the old woman has said. “The miracle is in your heart.” | 