The jade bracelet in this story by Mary Frances Chong represents the strong bond between a young Malaysian girl and her dying grandmother. The girl’s mother has devoted herself to caring for her mother in her final years and, when the end is near, moves her to a Buddhist cave temple for prayers and cremation. The grandmother’s wish was for the girl to have her bracelet. Unfortunately, her mother’s insistence on following Chinese hereditary practice causes her to disrespect this wish and give it to her irresponsible brother. Themes include love, care and respect for the aged, tradition, “face”. More…