The Bitter Truth

Chapter 9 ~ First day in the mine

 Nervous, anxious energy consumed Ronny as he led Saija towards the mines, his pickaxe over his shoulder. He and Arliss flanked her, a united front, as they walked without a word. His protective instincts were on high alert, his every move a silent vow to keep her safe.

The day was shrouded in a sense of impending danger, every step echoing the weight of their unease.

Would she be safe? Would her secret be exposed in Marcus's presence?

Ronny gently reached out, gripping Saija's hand and giving it a gentle squeeze. She glanced up with a crinkled nose.

"Ya remember to be on ya best behavior for Marcus now. Hear?" Ronny advised quietly, his voice tinged with a protective edge.

Saija nodded in acknowledgment, stealing a quick glance at Arliss on her other side, whose stoic demeanor revealed nothing of the turmoil within.

As they approached the mine's guarded entrance, the guard's watchful eyes honed in on the child in their midst. It wasn't too unfamiliar scene but no less disheartening—a reminder of the harsh reality of life in the mines for some children.

Ronny signed her name as a new member on the tablet and then put his own. They then made their way inside the dark underground mine, Ronny's grip on her hand never faltering, only temporarily removed to raise his bandana over his nose before reaching over and doing the same for her.

As they ventured deeper inside the mine, the air turned thick and musty, carrying the earthy scent of damp rock and minerals. The dim, flickering light cast eerie shadows on the rough-hewn walls, revealing the jagged contours of the tunnel. Every footstep echoed off the cramped space, creating a haunting rhythm that reverberated through the darkness. The occasional creaks and groans of the ancient support beams added to the unsettling atmosphere, while the intermittent drip of water echoed like a distant, melancholic melody. The gritty, uneven floor was littered with debris and discarded tools, serving as a reminder of the tireless work that took place within these unforgiving depths.

The deeper they traversed, the louder the echoes of pickaxes reverberated through the stone.

Eventually, they reached Marcus and his parked cart. He stood nearby, going over his equipment and fuel inventory. The mining cart was weathered and rugged, with a rusty metal frame covered in dust and grime. Its wooden planks looked worn and splintered, evidence of countless loads carried through the dark and narrow tunnels. The wheels were large and heavy, caked with dirt and debris, yet they still turned with an eerie screech as the cart moved along the uneven tracks.

His eyes darted towards them; his forehead was already drenched with sweat and dust.

"Ya ready, Kid?" he asked, and his voice revealed that behind that bandana, he possibly had a soft smile.

Ronny kneeled down to face Saija, speaking ever so softly, "Stay on his hip no matter what. Hear?" Her head gave a light bob. he then leaned in and whispered in her ear, "Pretend ya names Sean."

Her face twisted in confusion, but he missed it as he stood and gently nudged her towards Marcus.

"This here, Sean, my little brother. He don't talk much, but he listens well."

Marcus gently extended his hand towards Saija, and she took it with a sense of trust. He guided her to the rear of the cart, carefully moving his equipment to create a comfortable space for her. As she climbed up the side, she settled herself in the spot where he had gestured for her to sit.

He then hopped behind the controls and took off. Her body slightly jerked with the sudden movement, and her eyes stayed glued on Arliss and Ronny before she was wheeled away.