Adam and his parents Shane and Kara arrived at the airport first. They waited in the ticket reception area before checking their bags. Brad and his wife Chelsea and their kids would arrive any minute.
“So, are you excited!?” Adam said to his dad, Shane. Adam was in his early 20’s and had only left the country once before. Among many other things, Adam was looking forward to spending this kind of time with his dad.
“Beyond excited,” Shane replied with a reassuring grin. Shane’s feet, hip and back had plagued him for years — but nothing was going to get in the way of him enjoying this time with his family.
Brad’s family pulled up to the curb — dropped off by Chelsea’s parents. Brad was Adam’s oldest brother and he and his wife Chelsea had lived in various parts of Asia for years now. They had invited Adam and his parents to tag along on this trip with their little family. Brad had been dying to return to Taiwan with his family since the Covid-19 pandemic sent them back to America. Brad and Chelsea weren’t content with their time in Asia ending with a traumatizing rush, led by military escorts. Each year in Asia, Brad became more outnumbered by girls. Chelsea and him now had three daughters.
Jennie, a beautiful, intelligent 5 year old who already had a knack for leadership like her dad — hopped out of the car and bounced towards her grandma Kara. Elise, a compassionate 3 year old with an adorable raspy voice, followed closely behind. Both girls shouted, “Nai Nai!”, as they ran — the mandarin word for grandma. Violet, a smiley 1 year old, was lifted from her car seat fast asleep and then secured into a stroller. Violet, because of her fiery sisters, had quickly acquired the words “let go”; which she used liberally any time she attempted to assert her will — even if no one was touching her.
Standing there with nearly matching uncoordinated baseball caps — Shane and Adam watched as Kara and her granddaughters embraced and laughed. The whole Richards family was together now. Chelsea, Brad’s wife, was cool and excited; she joyfully hugged her parents goodbye. It was apparent Chelsea had concerns weighing on her — but she bore them with grace as always. Her heart was anticipating places that held the vast majority of her adult memories — good and bad.
As the group checked in — Jennie skipped the adult formality of shyness, and excitedly recited jokes. She had memorized them from a book Chelsea made for their long ride from Arizona to the Salt Lake airport. Hardly anyone was wearing masks in the airport anymore, and the world had just begun feeling normal again. This was a much needed trip for everyone. The girls straddled the carry-ons like horses and rode the rest of the way to the terminal pulled by the brothers Adam and Brad.
Kara had stashed lipstick, candy, and toys in the small leather purse she knew would inevitably be raided by the girls. Between movies, naps, and Nai Nai’s presents — the 20+ hours of flight went by faster than anticipated.
Landing in the Taipei airport, everyone bustled with an energy that did not come from good rest. Walking out of the landing ramp, a smell washed over them — immediately and permanently staining their souls. The smell would become impossible to separate from them for the rest of their lives. It was the smell of Taiwan, and it permeated everything. It was a smell Andrew and his parents had never experienced before. When the smell filled Brad and Chelsea’s nostrils, their hearts rushed with fondness and memory. It must’ve been some kind of combination of spices used exclusively in Taiwanese cuisine. The odor wasn’t overtly pleasant — but by no means repulsive. Between the humidity thick in the air and the smell of Taiwan, the family were inevitably reminded with every breath they took — they were in a foreign land.
AS THE FAMILY EXPLORED the city of Taipei, hours dragged on in a pleasant lull — while days began to fly by. Adam and his parents wondered where the first half of their week had gone, and felt the trip rushing past too fast. They would only be there for a week total; ultimately leaving Brad and his family there to enjoy several more weeks in their beloved Asian home.
At the top floor of Taipei 101, the tallest building in Taiwan — Adam was stunned by the sheer breadth and staggering height of the city that stretched beyond sight. “This is a city,” Adam said in amazement to his brother Brad. Elise’s raspy voice interrupted. She was cold and wanted to go down. There was a permanent gray overcast that constantly ruled the skies of Taiwan, threatening to rain at any moment — even on the hottest of days. Adam offered the jacket tied around his waist. Picking up Elise and wrapping her in the jacket — Brad looked to the horizon and replied, “Makes Salt Lake look like a joke, right?”
Brad, Adam and Elise walked into the center of the top floor. There they observed the architectural novelty that allowed for the building to withstand intense winds at such incredible heights. They watched as a massive silver orb that weighed thousands of pounds, began to move in direct opposition to the push of the wind. The moving orb centered the whole building’s gravity with every sway, using computerized pistons.
Kara and Shane had joined them by now with Jennie. Jennie was unsettled by the sight when she realized what was happening — she asked to leave. The height began to disturb her. Seeing this, Elise followed suit and also became afraid. Kara nurturingly took their hands and walked back out to the viewing portion of the floor. Instead they watched a video of the New Year’s Eve firework show.
STILL ADJUSTING TO THE new time zone, each morning the family was up no later than 6am. Kara awoke in a start. She was sweating and her heart beat quickly. As she looked around the room recalling her location and the time of day, she remembered the nightmare she woke from.
Shane awoke and removed the c-pap machine from his face. He inquired sincerely. Kara explained she had a bad dream, “Adam was wandering through the streets alone. He was lost. I began to frantically search for him when I woke up. I was so afraid he was going to get hurt or kidnapped.” Shane looked at her compassionately, wondering what to say. “Even though he’s all grown, I guess I’ll never stop worrying about my kids,” Kara confessed. Shane paused for a moment and eventually found the right words, “I don’t think that’s a bad thing.” Shane grabbed her hand, “They’re lucky to have you as their mother. A lot of people in this world don’t have people to worry about them.” Kara was surprised by how much this comforted her. She was grateful to still feel responsible for her children, even if she lost sleep over it.
Brad and Adam took off together very early to the gym. The brothers took delight in being the biggest guys there — not because of their unusual strength or stature — but instead a feat simply achieved by being American. Brad taught Adam a few routines, but mostly they did their own thing. Brad was staggeringly adept with his Mandarin Chinese; however, pretending not to be got the two brothers extremely cheap day-passes. After their workout they walked down the bustling street avoiding mopeds, cutting across the street under a highway, and taking in the incredible energy of the city.
What happened next would change Adam’s life forever. They stopped at a vendor that Brad knew well. Two older Taiwanese women burst with joy as Brad walked up to them. Through big smiles and incessant high pitched Chinese, they began shuffling their spatulas and preparing what they had now served Brad for many years. Zhua Bing.
Adam’s mouth watered as he watched the ladies crack eggs and throw bacon onto a pitch black stove top. One lady flipped and covered the proteins with cheese — while the other rapidly tossed a flat round piece of bread. As she aggressively pinched the thick, oily, crispy, dough with her spatulas — it fluffed like a croissant. They enclosed it all together like a taco, covered it in a red hot sauce, and slipped it into a paper sheath.
The perfection burnt Adam’s fingers slightly as it drooped over his hand. After taking one bite he connected eyes with his older brother — mouth gaping open to allow the food to cool. In an instant Brad could see that Adam was starting to understand why he had spent so much time here. Brad felt warm inside seeing his brother understand a bit more why he loved Asia so much. Adam had yearned to know personally about this aspect of what had become a pillar in Brad’s life.
Brad left the Taiwanese vendors a tip larger than the price of the 4-5 Zhua Bings they ordered. The women ran out from behind their stand trying to push the money back to Brad. The brother’s jogged away faster, leaving the women laughing and grateful.
Next they meandered over to the largest mangoes Adam had ever seen. Brad expertly, charismatically and casually bought several fruits, and 3-4 large mangoes. Adam took a step back as Brad did so, and took in the scene. Even though Adam couldn’t understand what any of these people were saying he was moved by the Taiwanese’ kindness, peacefulness, order and joy. The mangoes were unlike anything Adam had ever tasted; sweeter than any desert — and more refreshing than any fruit he had ever eaten. The texture was perfect; not too mushy, and not too hard. He sunk his teeth into the thick mango and sighed with delight. Adam was quickly falling in love with Taiwan.
WALKING BACK TO THE apartment, Adam marveled at the green plants bursting out of every possible crevice in the middle of the concrete maze. The vegetation made even the most run down shops and alleys look beautiful. The air was thick with water. Brady, noticing, said, “All the plants remind you that the jungle was here first.” When it began to rain Brad explained the unique phenomenon was called […]. It was hard to tell where the water was coming from, it felt like a nearly imperceptible mist that wasn’t even coming from the clouds. Yet the water very quickly began to soak your clothing and hair — coating your skin in a thin layer of water.
Adam implied that he wanted to wander off on his own for a bit, “I’ll meet you back at the apartment.” “Go for it,” Brad replied confidently. “Yeah?” Adam inquired. “Yeah, go. See you at the apartment.” Brad understood Adam’s request — he knew his little brother wanted to see if he could navigate the city on his own.
It was funny walking around the city. Just when things started to feel familiar to Adam he would see something that surprised him. Adam laughed quietly to himself when he saw a dog wearing a diaper. There wasn’t a square foot not being utilized by someone. And though the streets bustled with people, there was a prevailing calm and order. He was particularly taken back by the contrast of wealth from store to store. Squished adjacent to a povert, greasy, overgrown store — would be a perfectly clean fashion store that rivaled the best in America. Every 100 feet or so was a small “7-11” or a “Family Mart'' store — each one identical to the next. Taiwan was an easy place to get lost in. Adam popped into one of the thousands of small stores and bought some honey oat milk. It sat very well with the Zhua Bing and mangoes he had just eaten. When he saw the price, he bought three more before stepping back onto the road. He put them in his backpack and successfully returned to the apartment.
Walking in, Kara inquired why Adam came in later than Brad. Upon learning they had separated, she explained the dream she had about him getting lost in the city. Adam and his parents had no way of calling anyone while being on the other side of the world. Kara was visibly worried and warned her son to stay close to Brad. “Please just don’t invite any unnecessary danger,” she pleaded. Adam was surprised by her concern, yet genuinely wondered if he’d do that. He deeply respected his mother, and it was rare for him to ever defy any of her wishes — as rare as it was for Kara to ever feel the need to warn her son. They shook off the unexpected conflict and helped get the girls ready for the day.
CHELSEA TOOK SHANE AND Kara shopping — while Adam and Brad went with the girls to the Sun Yat-sen memorial. Brad, his brother and the girls watched the changing of the guard in front of the massive statue. Brad walked back outside the grand building with his daughters — while Adam walked towards the gift shop. After inspecting the shop Adam walked out to the massive patio where adorable elderly natives were ballroom dancing and doing kung fu. To Adam’s surprise, Brad and his girls were nowhere in sight.
Adam walked around the building many times searching for them. Brad and the girls were nowhere to be seen. Now thoroughly examining the layout of the entire memorial, Adam decided after a few more minutes he would attempt to navigate back to the apartment. Adam imagined that Brad, upon losing track of his brother, trusted him enough to figure it out. Thinking this gave Adam courage, focus and calm.
Adam tried pulling up the address of the Adidas store he remembered being next to their apartment. Hundreds of results came up. He didn’t even try typing in “Family Mart.” Adam began walking — he would have to trust his memory.
When Adam wasn’t following his brother's heels he started to observe details and differences in the city that before had all blended together. Adam was completely alone — the most alone he had ever been. No one knew where he was and he had no way of getting a hold of anyone. He couldn’t even speak to the people on the street to ask for directions. If something horrible happened, he wasn’t even sure how to get a hold of the police. He took comfort in knowing his mom didn’t even know he was lost.
To Adam’s surprise he felt joy bubble up inside him. Walking through the city he was unexpectedly seized by confidence and excitement. Adam felt free. He settled into the feeling and walked with purpose, yet took his time. To Adam’s delight, he once again got to the apartment successfully. No one was there yet and he didn’t have a key, so he leaned against the wall and listened to some music on his phone.
After several minutes of waiting, Brad walked out of the elevator with his girls. Brad saw Adam sitting on the floor by the door, threw his head back and laughed. Jennie cried out, “see I told you!” Brad explained he had used the opportunity to collaborate with his daughters. Elise suggested staying at the memorial and felt it would be wrong to leave without her uncle. Jennie figured he would return to the apartment and was okay — like her dad. Adam appreciated Elise’s worry, and Jennie and Brad’s trust.
Adam and Brad shared the story comedically with the others when they returned from shopping. Kara was willing to laugh about it. However, Adam knew her stomach was churning.
“I’m grateful you made it back,” Kara said with a sigh; “I think I can stop worrying about it now.” Adam wasn’t entirely sure what she meant by that, but felt that he both earned and lost trust at the same time.
THE GROUP SPLIT UP for the evening. Chelsea took her daughters to the Miramar ferris wheel — while Adam, Brad and their parents went to the Shilin Night Market. The largest night market in the world. Brad decided it would be good; the girls had been really good at letting the adults see boring things — they’d been doing a lot of walking. It was time for them to do some fun kid things. This also allowed the others to stay out exploring past the girl's bed time.
Chelsea took the girls first to McDonald’s; she knew they would be wanting some American food again by now. They arrived at the mall and began moving up the long escalators that zig-zagged to the top of the building. Chelsea leaned the stroller back and walked onto the moving stairs. Violet grabbed the sides of her seat and concern came across her face as they began to ascend the escalator. Chelsea warned Jennie and Elise to stay away from the sides of the steps. She had seen a child’s foot get caught before; it didn’t take much for the machine to do a lot of damage to a little foot. The girls became squeamish as they climbed higher and higher.
At the top of the mall was a movie theater. There always seemed to be a movie theater at the top of Taiwanese malls. The girls' eyes were glued to ‘The Little Mermaid’ promotional cardboard display as they walked past. They walked through a set of glass doors at the end of the floor to a large concrete patio filled with amusement park attractions and rides. Jennie and Elise ran excitedly towards the lights and music. After Chelsea got them coins, Jennie and Elise drove around in small bumper cars that roamed the large patio. After a few carnival games, Jennie and Elise got on the carousel. Each time the girls passed Chelsea and Violet, their mom would make a new silly face. The girls laughed hysterically. Even Violet turned and took delight in watching her mom each passing. This drew the attention of others, and natives began to remark to Chelsea how beautiful the girls were. Chelsea had become accustomed to this over the years. It made her happy to see her girls brighten people’s day.
Next, they got in line for the Ferris wheel. The Ferris wheel was far larger than Chelsea had anticipated. Larger than any she herself had ever been on. Already on the top floors of the large mall the massive attraction at its peak placed a box cart 1,000s of feet in the air. She wondered how the girls would do with the height — she wondered how she would do with the height. “Girls,” Chelsea got the attention of her daughters and bent down to their height — still grasping the handle on Violet’s stroller. “The Ferris wheel is really high. Are you sure you want to go on it?” Jennie replied cheekily, “oh yeah!” Seeing this, Elise giggled through an adorable grin — and nodded in agreement.
They arrived at the front of the line. Chelsea picked up Violet, held her in her arms and asked the middle aged man in mandarin, if she could leave the stroller by the operation desk. Sherstin was hoping the man would be impressed by her efficacy in the language — but instead he looked up from his phone with worried eyes. Sherstin felt something was very wrong and asked if everything was okay. The man assured her everything was fine. Shaking himself out of the spell, he took the stroller and placed it respectfully next to his stand. He smiled and waved the girls forward.
The girls politely thanked him saying “shi shi” after their mother, and walked onto the grate boarding platform. As the next box appeared, Chelsea felt a rush just before leaping into the moving cart. The floor was transparent and she began to feel she had made a mistake going on the ride. Nevertheless, she sat down, took a breath and excitedly squealed with the girls as they ascended upwards.
THE BOX WAS SURROUNDED by plastic windows. The only opaque objects in the cart were the two facing benches they sat on. As the box rose higher and higher as did their fear. As Jennie and Elise’s concern became more apparent, Chelsea cloaked hers with even greater subtlety and excitement. With mostly feigned spontaneity, she opened the small side window and invited the girls to feel the air with their hands. After they elected to stay seated, she thought of taking a picture to send to Brad and post on the family chat.
Chelsea pulled out her phone. As she did so, Violet, sitting on her lap, quickly reached for the phone — she cried out rapidly, “hold, hold. Let go, let go.” In seconds, to Chelsea’s complete shock, the two fumbled her phone out the small side window.
Chelsea’s facade broke as she watched through the transparent floor, the phone tumbling down and onto the top of the cart below them. “Oh no!” She cried. Frustration and intense worry bubbled up in Chelsea; she pounded her fist on her leg then buried her face in her hands. The girls matched their mom and began to cry with intense worry. As much for herself as the girls, Chelsea blurted out, “it’s okay it landed on the box below us, see that? We’ll be able to get it when we get down. There’s nothing to worry about. We’re actually very lucky!”
Suddenly the cart came to a sharp stop. The box aggressively rocked back and forth. The girls let out piercing screams. They were ¾ of the way to the top of the wheel, this was not planned — they felt the box would break off its hinge and fall to the street 1,000s of feet below. When the cart began to rock less severely, the panicked girls walked over to Chelsea’s bench. She wrapped them in her arms and looked around at the other boxes. She saw similar distress on the faces of everyone else.
Chelsea looked down at the amusement patio, and saw people running frantically. She could barely make-out the ferris wheel operation stand where she had stashed the stroller. She watched in horror as the operator got thrown to the floor by another person. The aggressor frantically tore at the man’s chest. He was being torn apart. A pool of dark blood began to flow slowly in a circle around the fraying scene.
Chelsea quickly looked away and leaned back. Panic surged through every part of her. She was frozen and began to tremble. Chelsea’s breath quickened. She reached for her girls and could tell her hands were beginning to numb. A deep dread settled on her; the thought — ‘we’re going to die’ pounded like a hammer in her mind. She felt her peripherals fade into darkness and realized she was about to faint.
JENNIE TURNED HER MOM’S head towards hers. Jennie recoiled in fear seeing her mom’s eyes roll back into her head. Jennie and Elise were frenzied. Jennie took Elise in her arms and sat next to Violet. “Elise, we need to pray” — Jennie said through heavy sobs. Looking into Elise’s swimming bright blue eyes reminded Jennie of her dad’s. She cried out for her dad. The girls watched Chelsea slump over. They frantically but carefully positioned her head softly on the bench. The small box cart filled with golden light as the sun began to set.
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