On the clear summer night of July 9, Hong Kong's usually subdued business hub came alive. Some 50,000 fluorescent sticks lit up Central near the Legislative Council chambers, while songs and chants of democracy protesters echoed through the skyscraper canyons.
The temporary stage at Chater Gardens was surrounded by a mass of people dressed in white and swathed in yellow ribbons to signify their opposition to the proposed Article 23 legislation. Thundering applause erupted at 9pm when 22 pro-democracy legislators, leaders of the fight against the government's introduction of the controversial national security laws, stepped on stage.
By the time political party leaders had taken turns speaking, the crowd had reached boiling point. Claudia Mo, host of the vigil, then asked the people to choose a speaker from a group of independent lawmakers. The choice was obvious and the crowd began to chant the name of Audrey Eu Yuet-mee. Apparently touched by the overwhelming response, an emotional Ms Eu, also dressed in white, took the microphone: 'Hong Kong citizens, how are you?' she asked, her voice loud. 'Have you eaten dinner yet?'
Greeted by roars of approval, Ms Eu encouraged the public to continue their fight for democracy and the direct election of the chief executive and legislature. 'Before July 1, people felt a sense of helplessness and hopelessness, but the situation has changed. Do Hong Kong people have hope?' she asked the now-hushed gathering.
Almost chanting in unison, the crowd responded with a resounding 'Yes!'
The scene certainly left a deep impression on those who were there, but when asked about the overwhelming support for her, Ms Eu replies modestly: 'Sometimes different issues affect different legislators more, it really depends on the time and issue.'