A Game of Colours

Chapter 16: Simple Courage

SIMPLE COURAGE: the little acts that define who we are. Our strength. It's the bravery to get up every morning and face the world head on, remembering that you'll lose against it but giving it the finger anyway.

Okay, maybe that's not quite the tone I'm aiming for, but you know what I mean.

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"Rise and shine ladies, we've got a long day ahead" calls Ruth. I stir from my stiff bed, and stretch uncomfortably. Today's the day I go back to the fields. 

I step out into the clearing for breakfast, blinded for a moment by the sun's rays. It's a beautiful morning, with a slight breeze. The wind dances across my face happily. If I only had the time to enjoy its company. I imagine Jarrah up in his room, painting the sky already, then I shake my head to remove the thought. Vacation's over, and working in the manor is a luxury I no longer have.

I grab my sack and make my way to the field, Isaac soon joining me. He doesn't greet me, which is unusual, and he's scowling.

I observe him from the corner of my eye, unable to understand what could've upset him so early.

"Alright then, Isaac?" I nod to him.

He grunts.

I shake my head confused, then return to my work. 

I seperate the cotton from the plant, and place it in my sack. My hands are calloused and rough from years of experience, handling the cream-coloured fluff surrounding the cottonseeds. 

When I need to be, I go fast. I drown out my thoughts, working only on the task at hand and focusing on the beating of my heart. However, you learn that it's best not to go too fast. If you show them you can do more, they'll make you do more. So you do what you can without having too little and being whipped for it, or too much to show them your real capability.

It really is a game of colours.

What I thought was a beautiful day soon turns into a nightmare. The sun is strong with not a cloud in sight to block it out, and I'm sweating profusely. The heat seems to be moving into my very core, threatening to knock me over. I lick my lips thirstily. I look over to my side to see how Isaac is faring.

He's still got that hard look on his face. His brows are furrowed, and he's muttering something.

I'm about to ask him what's wrong, but break is called. I run over to a nearby tree for shade. We only get five minutes, but I'll take it gladly.

I realize Isaac didn't come back with me. He's still on the field working.

On break time. I sigh and make my way back.

"Isaac, come on! Break time."

His hands tug at the cotton roughly, practically ripping out the plant.

I grab his wrist roughly, pulling it away.

He glares at me.

"What's wrong with you?"

 He's silent for a moment. "You really don't know?"

"What?" I ask sincerely.

"What today is?"

I shrug. "If it's your birthday, I distinctly remember that being last year."

He laughs bitterly. "Nevermind."

"Well, don't be such a girl about it Zac! Tell me." I prod.

"Tom" he hisses.

"What?"