Today marks the one month since 12 Hong Kong democracy activists were arrested and detained by Chinese authorities, after being captured by mainland coast guard when they tried to sail to Taiwan for political asylum.

One of them apologized to his family in his last letter, one called his sibling and asked him to take care of their father, another confessed his feelings to the girl he fell for… they all knew that they might never be able to come back home.

A few days before his departure, Wong Wai-yin wrote a letter full of apologies to his mother. “Sorry, mum… I’m so sorry…please forgive me for being selfish.”

The morning before he left home, the 29-year-old gazed after his wife, who he married six years ago and planned to have several children with in two years' time. The couple intended to take a honeymoon trip once his wife obtained a Hong Kong permanent residency.

But all these plans had fallen through in January after Wong was charged for manufacturing explosives. He drifted himself apart from his family and friends, as well as his two cats.

It might be the way he paved for bidding farewell.

A year one student of the University of Hong Kong, Kwok Tsz-lun, spent most of his time in drama theatres, where he met the apple of his eyes.

He was arrested and charged for rioting when he, alongside thousands of others, rushed to rescue protesters besieged in the Polytechnic University last November.

Before he set off, Kwok decided to confess his feelings to the girl, just to leave with no regrets.

It was less than a week before Liu Tsz-man’s 18th birthday. His family always took him out for dinner to celebrate.

After his arrest for arson last September, his academic results fell from the top tier to the last.

Despite countless disputes over different political stances with his father, Liu called his elder brother a few days prior to his departure and entrusted him to take care of their dad.

“Alright, let’s talk when you’re back,” his brother said. It has now become their greatest wish.

Cheng Tsz-ho did not say a proper goodbye. He took his fishing tackle early that morning and told his family that he was leaving home for fishing.

Cheung Ming-yu, 20, spent the whole night playing video games before he left. He told father that he was fighting for democracy and freedom.

“Who are you fighting for?” asked his father, who experienced the cultural revolution.

“For the next generation,” Cheung answered.

Andy Li, who was arrested for alleged collusion with foreign forces under the new national security law, has invited overseas professionals to monitor the district council election last November. He trusted the judiciary of the city, until Aug. 10.

Li Tsz-yin asked for a photo with his mother before he left. The 29-year-old always baked a cheesecake for her on her birthdays. He loves her, and he hoped she could understand how much he loves Hong Kong.

Aged 16 to 33, these 12 each carried their own stories. They decided to leave precisely because they hoped to return to their home freely one day. They fell in the hands of Chinese authorities, while the Hong Kong government refused to offer the assistance their families are desperate for.

They are Hongkongers and Hongkongers will not forget any of them.

Click here for Chinese version

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