AMACon 3: Oikos - Children

Sacrifice - Noon

"In someone's darkest hour your simple act of kindness may imitate the sunrise, and to sad eyes you become their only source of light."

If right at this moment, a Jinni would appear and grant her one wish, she knew what she wanted. To get RJ thrown down from the highest hill. Damn the consequence.

Not only was he making it difficult for her to be alone and drown herself in self pity, he was riding with her hand in his, in broad daylight. Though they were still kids, there were some boundaries drawn by old traditions that needed to be exercised. Passersby were already watching them curiously as they raced through the yellow dunes and all she could think was how she was still breathing after going through so much embarrassment.

He finally reins the horse towards some trees and jumps down on the ground. He offers her his hand but she refuses. Shrugging his shoulders, RJ begins to tie the beast to one of the trunks and feed her some water. Meng keeps on ignoring him.

Once finished, he begins walking towards some of the houses.

'Hey..', she calls out to him, 'Where are you going?' but she doesn't get an answer. Her temper was now reaching its boiling point, as she stomps towards him.

'Why on Earth have you dragged me here?', she shouts as she turns him around forcefully.

He meets her blazing eyes, 'You want to accomplish something, right? This is the place'

'What do you mean, RJ...Quit playing games.'

'Last night two members from your tribe came to plead a case to Baba. But he had gone to visit Banu Sagheer and I was already asleep. The guards told them to come today.

I brought you here so you can make the decision instead.'

'And why do you think I would do that?', she taps her foot, her eyebrow raised.

'Because you need this, Meng. You need a chance to resolve your people's matters without the constant interruption of your Uncle. I know you have it in you, Meng... Take this opportunity.'

'What if I make the wrong...', her insecurities taking over her thoughts.

'You'll never know that until you actually listen to them, Meng', he tries to make her believe in herself, 'Give yourself a chance.. You have a bright mind, don't put it to waste'

As much as she doubted herself, she knew RJ was right. Maybe she should. It wouldn't hurt right? And somehow the unwavering faith RJ had in her told her to grab the opportunity.

She finds herself nodding as RJ gives her an encouraging smile.

Walking a few feet, they turn around a corner where a large crowd had gathered. RJ points towards them and she gulps nervously. Even though she wanted to run away, she firmly puts one step after the other and makes her way towards them. Someone saw her approaching and shouts 'Ameerah'. Everyone quickly parts a way and she finds herself facing a handsome camel.

'What is going on here?', she asks them, praying her voice would not betray her.

A man with a sharp pointed nose and a goatee, dressed in long shaggy robes breaks away from the crowd and falls in front of her.

'Ameerah, I have been deprived of justice', he complains

'State your name and the problem', she says in an authoritative tone.