"Wong's Lost and Found Emporium" is the second segment of the ninth episode from the first season of the television seriesThe Twilight Zone. The episode is based on the short story "Wong's Lost and Found Emporium", by William F. Wu, first published in Amazing Stories in May, 1983.
Opening narration
Plot
David Wong, a young Asian American, has spent three years looking for a mysterious place called "The Lost and Found Emporium." He finally tracks it down in a backroom of a sleazy San Franciscoporn shop. Once inside, he finds that the place has no owner or any staff. Browsing around, David meets an elderly woman who is looking for lost time. He is not interested in her story, but suddenly, he sees an orb of light which is trying to point him to something. Following the orb, which the woman does not see, he finds a cage with mice that have instructions to rub them until they calm down. Believing this is her chance to win back her lost time, the woman tries to do so but mice scatter and hide. She breaks down in tears and David makes a condescending remark. The next person David meets is an elderly man who came to the emporium by accident. He eventually admits he lost the respect of his children and David grudgingly points him to a mirror, which he must look at for no less than five and a half minutes. The man begins this procedure but is disgusted by what he sees-—a distorted, monstrous image of him. Unable to control himself, he smashes the mirror and then realizes what he has done. Just like with the old woman, David merely shakes his head and leaves. As he is walking away from the man, David is confronted by Melinda who scolds him for his lack of compassion. David admits that it is his compassion he is after and explains how he lost it years ago due to racial intolerance. He mentions the murder of Vincent Chin, which was an important event for the Asian-American community in the USA. Melinda offers him a deal—-she will find his compassion if he finds her lost item. David agrees and follows the orb to an old thermos, which releases a stream of vapor. After inhaling the vapor, Melinda receives back her sense of humor. She points David to three flasks, one of which contain his compassion. Unable to choose, David smashes the two biggest flasks, regaining his integrity and childhood memories. The third flask rolls away from him and is lost for good. David is unhappy, but realizes he did gain back much in the way of who he was. Compassion, to some extent, came along with it. Feeling like a man reborn, David realizes it is destiny to help other unfortunate souls. Melinda agrees to stay with him as his assistant. They start their journey by helping the elderlyman and woman, as even lost chances can be recovered.
