Love story

He had been dirty, hungry and completely without hope. Now there was
a chance of a new life. He quickly unbuttoned the Japanese soldier's
clothes and snatched the rifle that lay near the dead body. As he
prepared to leave the temple, he felt his heart aching. He knew it at
once; he had developed a fondness for this home, which has been his
residence in his whole life even though it was in bad shape. Turning
back to look at the temple for the last time, tears welled up in his
eyes and began to slid down his face. Hardening his heart, Jonah began
to head for the streets. He had work to do.
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Escaping was not that easy during this period, World War II. While the
British were busy defending their homeland and South Africa from the
Germans and Hitler, the Japanese had launched a massive attack on
Southeast Asia, mainly to obtain the raw materials it needed to fund
its war operations here. The British in this region put up a fight but
were no match for the swift and advanced Japanese soldiers and tanks.
Malaya soon fell, after which Singapore was quickly brought to its
knees. Shortly after his escape, Jonah arrived at Singapore at the
wrong time and was unavoidably caught up in the Occupation years, where
Singapore was under the rule of the Japanese Emperor for the three and
a half years. Coming from Malaya and with no living relatives or
friends, he made himself scarce when facing Japanese soldiers, as
foreigners were not that welcomed here. He could only blame heaven, and
himself for his bad luck on choosing refuges.

Using some Japanese currency that he had obtained from the dead
Japanese soldier during the raids, he managed to secure a small wooden
house near the coast. Initially Jonah had thought he would find peace
and tranquility here, in Singapore, as the British had dubbed Singapore
as an "impenetrable fortress". How was he to know that the British were
so weak and allowed the Japanese pests to invade so quickly? " Stupid
white men! They cannot be trusted. They act as if they are tall and
mighty, but look at them now; they flee from here like cowards and
leave us to the Japanese! Scums!" Jonah protested angrily, banging his
fist on the wooden oak table. He knew it was useless to feel angry now;
the Japanese could take him out anytime and shoot him in an instant if
he offended them. Now is a time to stay out of trouble, he told
himself, as he prepared himself for the next day and who knows, maybe
tomorrow will be the day the Japanese surrender.
The next day as Jonah went to the Japanese center to obtain some food
rations, a sudden scream pierced the air. "Help me! Help me!" a woman
screamed, chased by a few Japanese soldiers with lust in their eyes.
Don't get involved now, Jonah told himself, you are not a hero.
However, as he saw the soldiers getting nearer to their prey, he knew
he had to do something. Taking a wooden pole nearby, he went straight
to the direction of the soldiers. As the soldiers were too concentrated
in ripping off the underclothes of that lady, they did not notice
Jonah's shadow until it was too late. A heavy strike was all that
needed to knock them down. As they dropped to the ground, Jonah quickly
grabbed the lady's hand and fled back to his house. After a series of
twists and turns through the town's labyrinth of buildings, Jonah felt
that they were safe enough and stopped running. Turning his head back
to face the lady, he suddenly realized that he had never seen a fairer
face of any maiden before. Big dewy eyes and a fair complexion, Jonah
felt strongly attracted, fully captivated by the lady's appearance.
However, his thoughts were briefly interrupted as the lady slowly
regained consciousness.

"Where am I?" she said.

"Do not fear; I have just rescued you from the Japanese soldiers and
you are safe here in my home." Jonah replied.

"Oh, thank you, but I must... ow... I still feel dizzy," she said, as
she struggled to keep herself awake.

"You are too weak to travel back. Tell me who are your parents and I
will bring them here."

"I have no more relatives, since my father and mother have been killed
in an air raid. I live alone now."

"Well, you can stay here to nurse your health first before traveling
back your home." Jonah suggested, as he wished to see more of her face.
The lady must have known his intentions, as she replied: "No thanks,
but I must really get going." After which she started to walk back.
Still, it was just a few steps before she fainted again. Holding her
body, Jonah immediately carried her to his bed and rested her there.
Dismissing any other thoughts, he brought her some medicine. It was now
top priority to nurse her health back, he thought, as he began to apply
some ointment to her.

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Ada, as she called herself, was also a Chinese as Jonah. Although Jonah
had a Caucasian look and name, that was because of his mixed heritage.
Soon after she was quite okay, they found out that they had a lot in
common. Not only were they interested in art, but they also shared the
same passion for satay, the Malay delicacy. After two months, Ada was
finally able to return to her home. Looking at the setting sun, Jonah
had actually wished that she would not go back so soon. He had always
treasured the times when they were together, now that he knew more
about her cheerful personality he was even more mesmerized by her. Just
then, suddenly a tap on his shoulders jolted his thoughts, and he
turned around to see Ada.

"I'm leaving soon. Do you have anything you want to say? She
said.
"er... actually, do you really have to leave so quickly?" Jonah
replied.
"Well, if someone really refuses to let me go, I suppose I can't go
back." She said strangely, with a glowing red gradient appearing over
her cheeks.
It was then realization dawned on Jonah.
"Of course" he shouted. He clutched Ada's hands, and this time he or
she did not let go. " My love for you is true and everlasting, Ada, and
I love you more than anything. I sincerely wished you would be my wife
and stay here, and let our love grow longer than time, and deeper than
the oceans." Jonah confessed. One second. Two second. Then Ada slowly
nodded her head. With that, the two embraced each other passionately,
and kiss each other too.
Soon, they were quietly married, and at the same time the radio
announced the surrender of the Japanese. With that, they were able to
move back to Malaya, and lived happily ever after.

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The End