The Mindset of Emile Lockery

February 12, 1856

                      My plan is coming along nicely. I've taken to stealing small amounts of money and preservable food every 3 days. I've hidden my supplies in the same tree hole as this diary. I'm somewhat sorry for stealing, but many people have stolen from me, from my people. I'm just taking back what's due. Besides, nobody suspects anything,the TomFords are too focused on the upcoming gala. I told Sarah what I have learned and she comforted me. I'll miss her dearly. Hopefully we meet up again in life and she forgives me. Mama keeps trying to talk to me, but I've been ignoring her. Jackie and Ben have given me my space, but it's still very awkward between us, especially in the kitchen. What used to be loud, rambunctious laughter, is now pin-drop quiet. There's about one month left until my escape. I confess that I'm scared and feel horrible about the consequences in wake of my actions. I like to believe that my dad is proud of me. Mama will be devastated, and I guess I see her point of why she didn't tell me. Still, it doesn't make up for the secrets.

                    Master TomFord was out today, so I suck into his office when I was supposed to be cleaning and I found a few maps in his desk drawer. The first map was of Alabama, the second one was a map of the entire country, and the third one was a map of the world. I took them all and stuffed them into of pocket of my uniform. I put them into the hole with my other supplies after work was done. These diary entries are going to be more spaced out and there will be less of them. I have to keep a low profile. I think I'm going to leave this diary behind for someone to find. I'll make sure to write about my escape before I go. Maybe I can inspire someone else to take control of their lives and find freedom.

Emilie Lockery