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Mother darling, Mother dear, am I really six today?

Yes, my darling Lotus Bud, your birthday’s come at last. And there’s a big surprise. We’re going to bind your feet today.

Who will do the binding, Mother? Will you be the one?

A woman s coming from the village. She’s highly recommended.

Will I run and play when it is done, just like before?

Well, not today and not tomorrow.

Mother, will it hurt a lot?

Yes, it hurts, my sweetest Child. But sadly, that’s the price we have to pay for feet as small as humming birds.

And will I wear red satin shoes, just like Tiger Lily.

Yes, you’ll wear red satin shoes just like your sister, Tiger Lily. You’ll be the proudest girl in all Shantou, once your feet are bound. And one day, when you both make advantageous marriages, you’ll realize all we did for you.

Mother, will it hurt a lot?

You’ve asked me that before, sweet Child. It will be done at the
propitious hour. That always dulls the pain. Promise me I won’t be tied down in my chair!

Lotus Bud, you must be tied. For otherwise, the foot-binder can’t work so well.

Mother, will she break my toes?

No no, your toes will break themselves from your own body weight.

Is that why it hurts so much to walk? How Tiger Lily screamed when first she tried!

Lotus Bud, the art of footbinding is old and honourable. The pain is not unbearable. We, who love you, know what’s best!

Mother, is it true that some girls die?

You won’t die, my Lotus Bud. Your blood is strong. Your spirit’s brave. Besides, you would not so distress us.

Mother, you yourself bound Tiger Lily’s feet. Why not mine?

I bound your sister’s feet, that’s true. But then I fainted dead away.

But Mother, if I want to hold your hand...?

There, there, I know you will be brave. You wouldn’t want the foot-binder to see me faint, now would you, Darling Child?