Hong Kong fire survivors rebuild lives from ashes

Cheung, a resident of Wang Fuk Court for over four decades, testified before the independent commission in March. He spoke of climbing onto a windowsill and throwing water on the flames. He said he and his wife took in an elderly neighbor who could not flee. They were all finally rescued five hours later.

The Cheungs said they now "treasure each other even more".

Gabby and Antonio returned to Wang Fuk Court again on May 23, this time with their two children, aged 7 and 11.

"They need to say bye-bye as well," Gabby said, "to the house, and to their stuffed animal toys that they'll never have back."

Wong said he spends more time with his daughter nowadays and maintains a steady line of communication with her school's social worker to ensure emotional support for the seven-year-old. "Being there, that's what matters," he said.

The HKSAR government has introduced a "one social worker per household" service. Around 2,000 social workers from the Social Welfare Department are available to help the fire victims handle queries on financial aid and supplies, and arrange counseling sessions.

Wong said the social worker assigned to him checks in regularly, and has visited the family at their temporary home.

Still, he said he feels melancholy about how the old community — his daughter's childhood playmates, his own circle of friends — has disappeared. "We can hardly meet up now," he said.

Stacy Shi contributed to this story.