5
400 Words
‘My father has decided he wants to stay in Tynaia, he has gotten old and he and my mother likes it here. He wants me to run our business in Junaath and he wants me to have an Tynaian family employed within the workers. He wants me to make a difference to someone here. Junaath is a wonderful place and I want to take you all there with me. I don’t want you to work for me, I want you to work for yourselves and help me with my business. Help me deal and do business with Tynaian people, learn their ways and customs. I have a house for you, your own farm. Room and board on a ship to travel.’
He smiled then and giggled slightly, ‘You could even take the dogs.’
I looked at Mama and Papa, both of them looked sceptical. Mama stiffened and her face was like stone, she stood up from the table and walked to lift Tommy from his basket. She faced the fire and rocked him gently, cooing at him, her voice cracking was the only thing giving away that she was crying.
'Thank you for telling us what happened the day Frankie died Mr Desala. My husband and I are very grateful for what you did that day and today. Please go now so I can put my children to bed.’
Why is Mama being rude? Of course we won't be going to Junaath, of course he was just being polite but surely she didn’t have to be rude.
Papa stood up and Mr Desala followed suit, he lifted his coat from the chair and made his way towards the door. I opened my mouth to say something but Papa shot me a look I couldn’t ignore.
Mr Desala walked out the door and turned to Papa, he offered Papa his hand to shake. ‘Mr Black, my offer is genuine. I am sorry if I have offended you and your wife that was not my intention. I will be staying at the hotel, The Bridge Tower in town until the end of the month. I need to be back in Junaath by Christmas. Please Sir, consider my offer.’
My eyes met his over Papa’s shoulder, ‘Goodbye Caireann.’ He turned on his heel and Papa closed the door. He was grey, his hands trembled and he shook his head.
- Writer
