After the bombing of Shanghai in January 1932, my parents were worried about me. They kept asking me to leave the school and stayed at home for my safety. I was only 15 years old at that time and i turned down their suggestion repeatly. I was still so young and I loved to go school. Why should I stay at home? But in our heart, we knew that this might only be the starting of a nightmare.

3 Years had passed. Our country was slowly breaking apart due to internal war and Japan invasion. My parents were deeply worried that Shanghai would not be safe anymore. They were always in deep discussion and time to time i would see Kang family at my house. My parents and Kang were closed friend. They had a son called Gary. We used to play together but he was send to england to study when he reached 12 years old. I heard that he was back but i yet to see him personally.

One day, my mother told me the Kang Family would be here for dinner and I was required to dress up and awaited for their arrival. They arrived and finally I saw Gary after 10 years. Both of us had grown up and we seemed to be like stranger to each other. I did not know what do say to him or what topic could we talk on. So I decided to keep quiet throughout the dinner. Suddenly Mr Kang and my father spoke up, they wanted Gary and I do get marry. Both of us were shocked and surprised to hear their words. We stared at our parents and did not know how do react. My father looked at me before I could protest " No Ji Hyo, It was a request, you do not have a choice. After wedding, both of you would go to your grand aunt house at the country side. We had bought a house nearby as your new home."

We could not believe that we were not allowed to choose what we want. I was upset of their decision but could not do anything to it. To make it worse, they did not allow me to go out before my wedding. I had been 'locked up' at home. My mother did talked to me several times and she kept explaining to me that they made that decision as they felt shanghai will lose their stand. I being a single lady will be unsafe, as they had heard a lot of stories of women being and killed. They hoped someone will be there to protect me. I understood their intention, but still i