Dear diary...
My body was aching to the point that I could hardly stand. Once the doctor left, I continued to sleep for hours. Although most of the time, I was only tossing and turning.
"Maige" I heard a faint voice. I slowly started to open my eyes as the voice repeated.
"Sister, wake up" She told me. "Emily, what are you doing here? Mister Prescott won't be too happy if he finds you here" I stated as I stood up leaning against the wall of the barn.
"I know, that's why we have to be quick. I brought you something to eat, you must be starving" Said Emily, handing me a loaf of bread.
"You stole this?" I asked her. She nodded and nudged me slightly.
"You haven't eaten in days, sister. Please try to take care of yourself" She spoke softly, cupping my cheek. I sighed a tired sigh. "Alright, I will. But you should go before you're caught" I said.
She agreed and eventually left.
A small smile formed on my face as I ate the bread. I hummed in delight finishing. She was right, I was starving. But I was so thankful to her for this.
.....
A few hours had past and I decided to continue sleeping. But once I awoke, I heard footsteps and voices coming from behind the door. It was quite familiar and I only recognized it once I listened closer.
"The talk of war has spread to the townsfolk like wildfire. Those good for nothing commoners want to take our workers!" It was Mister Prescott.
"We won't let them. You paid the price for those slaves, they belong to you!" I heard another familiar voice. Angered of course.
It was Christopher Black! He, along with Mister Prescott, were both owners and traders. They each had a strong political influence and stubborn opinions. They valued respect and only the voices of middle aged white men. Typical.
But why were they here? What did they want?
The only thing I could think to do, was hide.
So, I quickly rushed over to a haystack near the door and stayed behind it.
I listened as they both walked into the barn, continuing their conversation. What was this talk of war? A civil war? Perhaps...
"I'm going to sell about a dozen or so. Most of them are too old to work on my farm" He said.
"I know of some younger ones ready to be put on the market. Almost teenagers" Mister Black stated.
They wanted to sell.. But who's going to be sold? Would it be my father perhaps? Maybe he is too old to work on the farm... I could not bare to lose him. Especially not in such a desperate time of need.
They turned their backs in my direction and I knew what I had to do. I could not be caught sneaking around, but I couldn't stay there either.
I took a step towards the door practically holding my breath. I kept my eyes locked on them as I walked out silently.
I was relieved to have not been caught as I walked, ignoring the pain in my body. Although, I couldn't stop thinking about what they had said. Replacing the elders with children? My hope was only to keep my father with my sister and I, no matter what it takes...