6

11

papa

I made my way outside of the tent after kissing Lily goodnight, doing my best to remain strong for the sake of my daughter.

Everything I did...

I did for her, and for my beautiful wife.

I had to keep reminding myself of that whenever I felt down and low.

I didn't sleep the whole night, as my heart thumped against my chest, knowing what was going to happen in the morning.

The night turned into day, and soon, it was time for me to meet two men today.

“What's taking the bastard so long to meet us?” came a gruff, deep voice a few paces away from me.

I figured that it was the men I was supposed to meet, because as my eyes darted upwards, I saw Lazarus Landucci standing there.

The man who offered me the deal that I was ready to take up.

Despite it meaning that I would have to leave my family...

“Fuck knows,” Lazarus spat bitterly.

I drew out a deep breath, doing my best to regather my composure, and show these men that I meant business.

Show these men that I was capable of the work that they were offering to me.

I needed money to provide for my family...

It would be the only way that we would ever make it out of this refugee camp.

12

papa

“Sorry I took so long,” I heaved.

Lazarus turned around to face me, his eyes lighting up as he saw me.

Him and the man standing beside him, Rhys, both blunted their cigarettes, giving me their full, undivided attention.

“It's fine,” Lazarus reassured.

“Don't you even have any fucking shoes?” Rhys snarled, giving me a bitter, disgusted look as his eyes darted to my bare feet.

I swallowed down a lump in my throat, feeling utterly dejected and humiliated in this moment.

“No... None that fit me anyway,” I mumbled, ashamed.

Rhys rolled his eyes sarcastically.

“It's a good job that you met us then, isn't it?” Lazarus stated matter-of-factly, folding his arms.

I scratched my arm awkwardly, not sure what to say.

My head was bursting with questions about the job and what it entailed.

“Out of all the people on the camp...” I murmured. “Why are you offering me work?”

“Because you have a good physique, and the strength that we're looking for in a man to give a job,” Lazarus explained, folding his arms.

I nodded, grateful to these men for this opportunity.

The dream of finally leaving this camp finally didn't feel like a dream anymore.

In months, after I had made some good money...

It would finally become a reality, and I couldn't be more excited for the future.

I only had God to thank.

13

papa

“How soon will I be able to bring my family with me?” I asked curiously.

Rhys lit up another cigarette, placing it into his mouth, smoking it.

“You might not see them for a while,” Lazarus shrugged. “You need to make enough money to provide for them first.”

I nodded in agreement.

“Okay, thank you for your help,” I said gratefully. “I really appreciate it.”

Lazarus nodded at me briefly.

“What will the job require me to do?” I asked.

“The roles are various...” Rhys chirped in. “Operating machinery, shifting boxes and stock.”

“Okay, that's fine by me,” I agreed.

I could feel my heart hammer against my chest, as the full extent of reality hit me from millions of different directions at once.

I was really leaving to start work...

And I didn't know when the next time would be when I would see my wife, or my daughter.

A tear rolled down my cheek, but I did my best to keep myself together.

“Is it okay if I just go and see my wife before we leave?” I asked.

“Go ahead,” Lazarus shrugged.

I turned away from them, before making my way back to the tent, not sure how I would break the news to my family that I was leaving them...

Even if it was for the best.

I would miss them so much it would become unbearable.

14

lazarus

We watched the man walk away to meet his family, and as soon as he was out of sight and earshot, me and Rhys both burst out into deep, menacing laughter.