In the next cycle of the coming and going, I tried to coax the two boys to chat with me.
“Cad is ainm duit?” – What is your name?
Their eyes opened wide when they heard me speaking their tongue.
“Labhair liom.” – Speak to me I continued.
Just then Barabus entered. They and everyone else immediately turned their intention to him.
My heart sank at the thought that any chance of freedom was slipping away.
Batababus followed the same routine. Asking each child for updates on their progress at whatever task he had set. This time he seemed more reserved. That was until he reached the two Irish-speaking boys.
I couldn’t quite make out their conversation but he lashed out striking the oldest boy in the face and then roared out –
“I am tired of your excuses. I paid a good amount for you because I was told that you could fulfill this requirement. I’m sick of you and I’m sick of hearing you speak your gibberish. Continue this, and you will end up like the rest. You hear me,”
Tabitha gripped my hand. Her face grimaced.
Fortunately, that was the end of the violence at least for now.
Once more, the room emptied quickly.
“Why does he treat those kids so badly,” Tabitha said silently.
“There are no words,” I replied.
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