The next morning, Big Joe told us that we’d have to earn our keep like everyone else. “No one stays for free,” he said, his voice firm. I noticed that apart from the old lady, Martha, I was the only woman there. A chill ran down my spine, but I tried to focus on the tasks ahead.
Diago and I followed Martha to our respective duties. Diago was assigned to stack hay in the barn, while I was told to clean the house stables with Martha. As we walked, I couldn’t help but notice the way the men looked at me. Their eyes followed my every move, and it made me uncomfortable. Diago noticed too and assured me, “I’ll protect you, Sasha. Don’t worry.”
We got to work, and I tried to keep my mind off the unsettling stares. As the day progressed, I suddenly started having hot flashes. My skin felt like i
