Starlight in the Ring Read Online Free Page B

They were just helpless poor labourers, in need of a roof over their heads, and food to feed us and themselves.
    Ray couldn’t take it anymore. He leaped out of the door likethe football goalkeeper diving to intercept a score. My heart sank. Trying to hold tears and control my breath was difficult for me.
    “Hey, Ray! Get back here!” Baas Jimmie screamed, attempting to catch him. Fortunately, he missed him, but dropped his torch, instead. He delayed picking it up; and then a chase started. This time he was extremely angry, hissing like a snake. He left our house, slamming the door behind so loudly.
    My parents stood there for a while before returning to their bedroom. My soft-hearted mum wiped her eyes, and blew her nose with her flannelette nightdress sleeve every so often. I knew she was crying. My heart, filled with sadness, really ached. I couldn’t tolerate seeing my mum cry. Under my blankets, hopeless, I felt angry and frustrated with what I witnessed. My eyes filled up with tears. I wiped them off, this time with the hem of my blanket. Soon, it became wet also, and I pulled another dry corner of my blanket to wipe my cheeks. I sobbed quietly. The pain I felt was so unbearable. However, when my tears stopped flowing, I pretended to be asleep.
    Firstly, I heard the running footsteps outside - a chase was on…and then they disappeared in silence. I was trembling under my blankets, wondering what Baas would do to all of us on his return. With my eyes soaked in tears again, my hands sweating and my body shivering, I heard my heartbeat pumping louder than usual. I felt pity for Ray, and disgusted with Baas Jimmie. However, I preferred him compared to his son, Mark Douglas - the ‘small Baas,’ who would never say a word to me. I found his presence intimidating. He would stare, making me feel uncomfortable.
    My parents returned to the dining room whispering between themselves. I could hear the sound of my dad’s deep voice, though. They stood there probably confused and feared for their lives. My mum’s right hand moved across her face every so often. I guessed she couldn’t stop crying. I sat up saying, “It’s all right, Mama.” I got up, stood by her side, whispering and comfortingher from the distress she displayed. “We’ll be a successful family one day.”
    “Shh, Betty,” my mum mumbled, with eyes opened wide, tapping her index finger on her lips.
    “Mama, I hate this,” I said softly trying to sound persuasive. “It’s unfair.”
    I know how she felt about Ray. She has always cared about people generally, especially the orphans. The hurt she portrayed in her voice and appearance broke my heart. My parents returned to their bedroom talking softly to each other. I went back to my mattress to lie down. Our house was dark again. Without realising, I fell asleep.
    The first thing I did the following morning was to look around for Ray’s clothes. His brown pair of trousers was lying by the door. The white t-shirt he wore that afternoon was on his pillow. It seemed he tried to grab some of his clothes, but he couldn’t manage it before escaping. He was under too much pressure.
    I looked on the floor, and noticed some dry bloodstains. I followed this blood-trail outside, and behind our house. The grass was long. I couldn’t guess which way he escaped. I thought he could go for ever, and never return. These thoughts triggered the pain I felt when I heard him cry. I returned home, weeping, but hoping to hear Ray knocking at the door, calling my name.
    This didn’t happen. The next few days passed, and still no Ray. Three more days went by without Ray at home. My hope faded after six months. Years went by. Sadly I never saw him again. This incident has stayed with me. Where did Ray go? What happened to him? This was the memory that haunts me now, as we search for the missing cattle.
    “Rita, I am not returning to our house tonight. I know Baas Jimmie will be mad.”
    “Wait, Betty, I have a