In this story by Anthony Doer, an elderly Chinese seed keeper faces “progress” in the form of a massive dam that will submerge her ancestral village and destroy her community’s history, cultural identity and way of life. Although most fellow villagers jump at the offer of a discounted modern apartment and either a cash settlement or government job, she finds it hard to let go. When forced to leave, the lost connection with the past begins to affect her memory. Themes include progress vs. tradition, the generational divide, dislocation, familiar places and objects as an anchor for memories and identity.
