Life-Line

Interview

It was Rahim's and His father's turn. He walked through the door, trailing behind his father. inside sat a man, wearing a pair of tinted shades. He brought a cigar to his mouth, and tauntingly sucked on it. He blew the smoke into Rahim's face. Coughing, Rahim scowled at the man in a childish, impetuous way. The father quickly tried to apologize for his sons behaviour,'Don't mind him, he's just a bit confused, that's all.' his eyes all the while darting at the two men in balaclavas that stood next to him bearing guns. The stranger held out his hand. 'My payment?'. Hesitantly, The father handed over a bag of coins, and winced. The man regarded his expression, and calmly counted through the coins, 'What do you take me for? a fool?' said the man quietly, but with an underlying tone of menace. 'No,no, let me explain. I a-' before he could finish, the man waved his hand, and one of the soldiers stepped forwards, and hit his back with the butt of the rifle. 'Papa!' shouted Rahim, and he hurried forwards to help his father. 'Stay back Rahim' said the Father, and turned towards the man. 'it is not for me, but for my son.'

'What do you mean papa?' said Rahim, a look of astonishment on his face,'We are both going to Europe, aren't we?' the father looked away, to hide a tear running down his face. 'I don't have the money for me to go with you, don't worry, the Italians will take good care of you when you arrive.' Rahim began to protest, but the man silenced them. 'Enough, if he goes, you will stay here until his boat has passed the horizon, to make sure you don't pull anything. Now tag the boy and lets get a move on.' the man took out a tattoo needle. Rahim whimpered, cowering away. 'Stay strong for mama Rahim' said the father, and a circle with across in the centre was quickly emblazoned on his forearm. As rahim was bundled away, the father said, 'I will see you in Europe, my son!' that was the last he ever saw of his father