Moon Princess by Barbara Laban Page B

unconscious outside. He called for an ambulance. I had reported you missing after a call from Ling, so the hospital contacted me right away. I was already on my way here as the last sighting of you was of you boarding a night train to Pingdingshan.’ Dad stroked her face softly. ‘What on earth have you been doing, my darling girl?’
    â€˜I had to come here, Dad. Because of Mum.’ Sienna sat up in bed. Her head throbbed. ‘Dad, Mum was in the mine! Did they find her? Was Feng there?’
    Dad frowned. ‘Who is Feng? You were all by yourself, my darling.’ His frown deepened, hiseyes sad. ‘When are you going to accept that your mother is gone?’
    Sienna shook her head. ‘Dad, you have to listen to me. Ling’s a crook – she pinched Mum’s jewellery. And Mum, she’s—’
    Dad interrupted her, his shoulders stiffening. Sienna could tell he was angry, even though he didn’t raise his voice. ‘Sienna, you need to calm down.’
    â€˜Dad!’ Sienna cried, ‘Listen! Ling knew Mum. She’s connected with her disappearance. But Mum isn’t dead. She’s alive —’ Sienna broke off. ‘At least, she was still alive this morning. It’s all connected with the statue and the tem—’
    Dad’s voice was harsh as he cut her off. ‘Listen to me, Sienna. Your overactive imagination is putting you in danger. What on earth were you doing in a derelict mine? You’ve injured yourself and ended up in hospital – and it could’ve been so much worse!’
    Sienna’s eyes filled with tears. She hated being told off by her dad – but it wasn’t her imagination. ‘I’m telling the truth!’
    All of a sudden, his anger crumpled. He pulled her to him and hugged her tightly. ‘For God’ssake,’ he said, his voice barely more than a whisper, ‘please stop this nonsense. I can’t lose you too.’
    Sienna held her tongue. It was no use: he would never believe her. ‘Sorry, Dad,’ she said quietly.
    â€˜I’m sorry too,’ he sighed. ‘Get some rest, Sienna. I’ll come back soon with some supper.’
    Kissing Sienna on the forehead again, Dad left the room. As soon as he did, Sienna swung her legs out of the bed and then stood up shakily. What had happened to everyone? Feng must have carried her out of the mine, she supposed. She hoped he was all right. She longed to know if he had found her mum and Gege.
    Looking out of her window she saw that it was late afternoon. From the hospital, she could just glimpse the curved pagoda roof of the temple on the hill. Suddenly she remembered: it was the Moon Festival tonight! Everything was coming together, and there was no time to lose – she had to go to the temple and find out what had happened. Sorry, Dad , she thought. But I have to go. I have to find Mum .
    As she put her shoes on and grabbed herclothes, still unsteady on her feet, a familiar voice exclaimed, ‘Dearie me, don’t you look a state! You could at least have brushed your hair.’
    Rufus!
    Gathering the little dog in her arms and inhaling his familiar scent, Sienna hugged him until he squeaked. ‘Where have you been? Is everyone all right?’ she demanded.
    â€˜Enough!’ protested Rufus, struggling out of her grip. ‘We’ll meet Zou at the Moon Festival, as planned. I don’t know about anyone else, but no doubt they’ll meet us there too. Now hurry up. Hmm, I think I know the way …’
    Feeling better already, despite the bandage round her head, Sienna followed Rufus out into the corridor and the lift. Now she had Rufus by her side, she knew she could make it through the town and back to the temple.
    She just hoped she wouldn’t be too late to save her mum.

15 Yishujia – Artist
    A t dusk on the Moon Festival, the Fragrant Mountain Temple was busy with monks and visitors, preparing for the