A Tiger who turned into a Yellow Chick

By: Chee Young Ahn

In ancient China, there was an enormous, steep mountain that almost reached the top of the sky. When the soft wind blew, the fresh evergreen grass and leaves danced around the surface. As winter came, the plum blossoms shone their pink color brightly under the sunlight. It was freezing winter. Deep inside the forest of that mountain laid a siheyuan(a courtyard surrounded by four buildings.) The roof was covered with blankets of snow piles. A young intelligent girl named Lihua was living there. Her smart knowledge was spread all around the town. Everyone admired her. The day before the Chinese New Year, Lihua's house was bustling with servants decorating the house. Gigantic piles of colorful papers were piled up on the shelves. The refreshing smell of the Chinese dumplings tickled Lihua's nose and dazzling colored lanterns were hung in every room, gleaming different colors of light. While Lihua was cleaning the house to prepare the feast they were going to celebrate, her mom came towards her. "Lihua, can you pick up some camellia leaves from the South Mountain? You could go with your Gege. It might be dangerous for you to go alone, her mother suggested. "No, it's absolutely okay! I will be fine!" and she drove outside toward the cold atmosphere, clutching a basket in her hand. Swinging her arms, waving to the adorable birds, Lihua skipped along the muddy mountain path. A few minutes later, the bushes and trees were welcoming Lihua to collect leaves. She joyfully filled the basket. Suddenly, there was a mysterious sound coming from the bushes behind. Lihua stood like a wooden statue and after a few seconds, she carefully turned her body around, hoping she wasn't in danger. Only the sound of the birds chirping and the trees rustling by the freezing wind was heard. Nobody was there. Feeling uncertain, Lihua kept on picking up leaves. "Lihua! How are you? Are you collecting Camellia leaves for the party opening at your house? interrupted a familiar voice behind her. Surprised by the unexpected sound, Lihua shrieked. The voice was Lihua's best friend named Meili living next door. Meili was wearing a red colored Hanfu (Chinese traditional clothes), and a Chanzu (Chinese traditional shoes) which was decorated in pink flowers. Stunned, Lihua looked at Meili blankly and asked, "Ni hao, Meili. Why are you here? Aren't you supposed to be busy painting your house wall in red? "Well, your mom ordered me to come back with you towards home. Also, since it is starting to get dark, there will be threatening animals getting ready to hunt for its appetizing

meal; especially the tiger," Meili replied sheepishly. Lihua carefully nodded and she strolled downhill, Meili following behind her, but intelligent Lihua noticed something suspicious. The shadow behind her was getting larger and larger. She swiftly turned around and looked behind. Tap,tap,tap Meili was still walking, her Chanzu shining under the light from sunset. Lihua let out a relieved sigh. Wondering how much she paced, she could now see the village. Lihua was thrilled to head back home and prepare for the Chinese New Year celebration. Every house was wearing a red jacket. Lots of lanterns were hanging in front of the house. The joyful little children roamed around the path shouting with excitement as the ear-splitting sound of the enormous drums began to pound. Grilled fish, steaming chicken, and white soft rice cake fragrance lured Lihua to her house. Lihua cheerfully marched faster. But as Lihua took a glimpse on the muddy ground, Meilis shadow in front of her was getting gigantic. Soon she saw it become a tremendous creature with colossal body and jagged claws. Horrified, Lihua hesitated and paused. There was a long silence. Only the sound of the wind whistling their melody and the dramatic sound of the drum was present. After a few seconds, Lihua abruptly turned around and what she saw was a hideous South China Tiger growling fiercely with hunger! Eyes widening like an owl, Lihua cautiously moved backwards. "Where is Meili?! Lihua barked to the tiger, her voice trembling from the fear of the tiger's compelling eyes focusing at her. The tiger responded with an evil grin hanging on his face, "I am not your friend Meili. I was disguised into her and I lured you to go back to home. Everything was a lie. Lihua frowned her eyebrows. Rainbow butterflies started to attack her stomach. The tiger continued asserting his words. "Since I am starving to death right now, I shall eat you for my dinner, and he pulled up his pointy claws. It shone brightly like a glinting star at night. Lihua didn't know what to do. But soon a light bulb appeared on her head. A few years ago when Lihua was in kindergarten, her father advised her that people who are in danger should always be patient and calm, because if they are panting and worrying what will happen next, they will get into more trouble. Reminding herself to be relaxed, Lihua suggested to the tiger, "Well, you could of course eat me for your meal. But can you just promise me to listen to this story before munching me? The tiger lifted up his enormous head and growled furiously. He took a giant step forward to Lihua. The tiger reached so close that Lihua could smell his distasteful breath. No, never! Past these years, I got tricked by so much people! From that day on, I do not believe in humans! Therefore, I will eat you right away in person. Dont ever try to trick me! I dont want to get tricked by this young pocket-sized girl,he bawled in a haunting voice which made Lihua astounded as a coward mouse. Lihua was dumbfounded. She couldnt think of any stories that might scare away the tiger. Perhaps the god gave Lihua a generous gift, because luckily, she came up with a brilliant idea.

"Wait! I see that you have an ability to change into different people or animals,Lihua shouted, her fingers clenched tightly. The tiger hesitated for a moment and he told her that he can transform into any kind of living things. Lihua doubted that the tiger will change into anything. Then, he became eager to show Lihua that he can turn into anything, so he transformed into a cow. Lihua demanded him to change into a smaller animal. Eventually, the tiger changed from a dog to a cat to a pigeon and finally into a small yellow chick. When the tiger turned into a chick, Lihua secretly took out a bottle which was a perfect match for about the size of a chick to fit in. Grasping the bottle tightly, shifting one big step forward, eyes aiming for the best shot, Lihua thrusted the bottle towards the chick. He perfectly slid inside the bottle. The chick became frantic. He stirred around rapidly, flapping its wings to try to get out of the mini sized area. He was trapped inside the bottle! Lihua felt pity for the chick which was struggling against the bottle. She heard the desperate chirping sound from it, crying for help. Lihua frowned and determined to free the chick. Promise me tiger, that you wont eat me when I release you, Lihua whispered to the chick. The chick replied with a nod. He nodded for about ten times. Lihua carefully opened the cap and let go of the chick. Joyfully, it skittered along outside and after a few seconds. And soon, the chick modified himself to the tiger. He was satisfied that he turned back into his original shape. As the tiger and Lihuas eyes met, he backed off, letting out a worried gasp. After a soundless long pause, the tiger scampered briskly towards the dense forest, not even turning around to check if Lihuas gone. Lihua laughed at herself. She made the tiger vanish away forever. Lihua was sure that the tiger will never come back to her since she scared him. The sun was ready to sleep and the crystal blue sky mingled the color yellow and pink which made the world look more attracting. The sweet smell of the big feast assembling filled Lihua's mind with happiness. Sprinting towards her cozy town and the fresh camellia leaves dancing in the basket, she entered the town's main gate proudly. Houses were wearing expensive red coats and lanterns were getting lightened up in various colors; red,orange,yellow,and pink. People were like morning birds, greeting each other with laughter. Crispy Chinese dumplings, smooth noodles, grilled beef, fish, and other snacks carpeted the dull street. Taking out their pocket, customers bargained for the product. Suddenly, the welcoming warm atmosphere embraced Lihua and dragged her home. Lihua's relatives already had reached her house. They had big smiles hung on their faces. Lihuas grandparents and cousins were unpacking their bulky luggage. Lihua's mom saw her standing in front of the courtyard. Panting with apprehension, Lihua's mom dashed to her and asked why she had come so late. "Well, there's an adventurous but a silly story behind it. And I survived,Lihua answered proudly. Then an ear-splitting sound made Lihua jump high like a speedy rabbit. People were

overjoyed. They exclaimed clamorously. The firecrackers were firing and shining polished colors adorned the pitch dark sky, which made Lihua admire. People delightfully horsed around and they performed dragon shows in the streets. The eye-catching festival noise echoed through the whole town, the deep mountain, and even the forest where the tiger lay down on the fresh grass under the tree recalling what happened to him with Lihua. "She is such a brave and a clever girl", the tiger made a pleasant smile and went into sleep, dreaming peacefully. The tiger concluded that he will never eat humans, because who knows. At any time people can come up with fantastic ideas.