When they pulled up outside her apartment home,

Shirley was crying and wouldn’t take off her seat belt.

“You must go back now to your grandparents.”

“I know what you’re doing,” Shirley said.

“You’re going to Beijing.”

“Shirley, please go now.”

“Why can’t I come?”

“I can’t tell you without lying.”

“When will you be back?”

“I don’t know,” Weng said. “Take these Bunny Pops

to remember me.”

“I don’t want them,” Shirley said. “I want to come to Beijing
with you and surprise Mom.”