September 20th, 2010
I've never seen Padre this exhausted before. It's as if he went through hell and back. He's barely talking to us, but from what he says I think I know what's up.
There's a group of rebels in my town, part of the larger organisation 'LFL'. Padre has shown interest in the 'LFL'; he's previously stated that they are the 'heroes of this story'. I'm not sure if he would leave his family behind to join a rebel group, but right now I think it's within the realm of possibility.
They've already caused chaos throughout the town. I don't know whether it's for the good of the country or for their own personal interests to commit crimes. I'm honestly not on any side at this point because both are looking bad.
The Communist Government has already made an official task force to combat this growing threat to the country's stability. Named the 'Grupo de Trabajo de Seguridad Nacional'—also known as the 'GTSN'—they're made up of loyalists to the Communist Regime ranging from Ex-Servicemen to extremists. Basically the Gestapo of the Communist Regime. They would do tasks such as hunting and executing rebels.
This morning, they captured and executed a baker, along with his family of 4 because they were secretly supplying the rebels. The baker was a family friend, so it hurt us a lot more than it would've. It also scared Kamila so much, she didn't want to get out of bed the next day to go to school.
It hasn't even been a month since General Santiago's regime has seized power, but great changes have been made. Education is now only provided until grade 6. Afterwards every man, woman and child in Paraméncio has to work in the work groups they are allocated to. The work groups are divided into 2 main sectors: the agricultural sector and the industrial sector, each with their own sub-groups.
I was allocated to the firearms group of the industrial sector. We make firearms ranging from guns to missiles for the military and police, nonstop 24/7. With little break, we worked our asses off, with many collapsing due to exhaustion and fatigue.
In these factories everyone has to work together, because we get paid equally by how much we provide. This seems unfair, but General Santiago's favourite saying that he thrusts upon us all is 'Una cadena es tan fuerte como su eslabón más débil.'
A chain is only as strong as its weakest link.
I went home every day incredibly tired, and continuously collapsed on the bed.
September 30th, 2010
Padre has been going out more often, leaving me wondering what he's doing. Occasionally he comes back and has meetings with strangers. Sometimes they have guns, sometimes they do not.
Either way, I pull Kami into my room to hide out until they leave.
The other day, a factory worker was executed after being caught giving weapons to rebels. Everyone knew it; this death was a signal from Santiago. I could almost hear him saying it; If anyone dares work with the rebels, they'll end up the same way he did: 6 feet under.
Kamila is coming out of her room less and less. I really hope she's doing okay but she's worrying me. Sometimes when I talk to her, she doesn't even bother to reply to me and just goes back to sleep. Instead of fighting, I just kiss her forehead and leave. I hope her old, happy self can be restored but thanks to the Communists, it's not very likely.
Madre has been very stressed out; due to the small wages we are given, we aren't able to buy enough food. She hasn't cooked a proper full meal in ages; more often than not, she looks like she's on the verge of collapsing. As tired as I am after work, I always try to help her out in the house but she almost always refuses my help.
YOU ARE READING
At What Cost?
ActionA boy fresh out of high school is dragged into a civil war. He sees the bloody hell that he's trapped in and tries to figure out which side to help. As he navigates his new brutal life, he gets hit with bombs, gunfire and many other close brushes w...
