Freedom

The newly 8 year old woke with a start.

He slowly sat up in a large fluffy bed. 

Wide eyed he looked at his hands.

Clean.

Someone had put him in pajamas too!

He touched them in disbelief.

Clean.

He didn't remember what clean had felt like. 

Where in God's name was he?

His heart began to thump harder as the door suddenly opened.

A grey haired older woman peeked around the old wood, smiled at him, and abruptly returned to the hall.

John! J.J!  Wee Lad's awake! Best get up here!

Footsteps.

The same footsteps from the night before.

The door swung open and in walked a youthful, unique faced man.

He was shorter, had brown hair, large protruding lips, determined green eyes, and long thick eyebrows.

The boy remembered this face!

He recalled seeing him working at the train station. This was the man who left him food!

The man walked to him and sat on the edge of the bed.

A gentle voice came out. 

Dia Dhuit! Hello there. Don't be afraid; Is mise John. (My name is John.)

He offered his hand.

The boy took it and held on to it, not knowing what to do.

John paused. His eyes seemed to laugh. He spoke again.

May I ask you?... Cen t-ainm ata ort? What is your name? He looked into the boys eyes curiously.

Delirious and overwhelmed the child squeaked out in a dry throat.

Is mise Oisin!

The man smiled warmly as if the child's voice had tickled him.

Well Oisin I certainly hope you're hungry.

As if on cue the woman appeared holding a tray. A cup of water, Eggs, Sausage, biscuits and tea were presented to him.

As Oisin devoured them greedily, John continued to speak.

My boss noticed you at the station and I'm afraid you cannot be there anymore.

Oisin's stomach dropped.

He wanted to throw up all the food he ate.

What about his mother? Would she ever come back? Where was he to go?

The train station was his only safe place. He didn't dare go beyond it.

His nervous thoughts were broken as John went on.

I'm headed to Dublin and I know of a perfect place for you!

With a mouthful of water, Oisin choked spluttering.

But...But what will ye offer me then? He stuttered.

John cocked his head in surprise.  

And then with a knowing smile he replied carefully and slowly. 

Friendship...leadership. A safe place to stay.

His voice trailed off. He pulled out a pin from his pocket.

It was a sun.

Placing it in Oisin's hand John's face grew serious.

Look now Oisin; if you'd like to be important to your country, you'd best come with me. Is it a deal?

Gazing at the shining pin in his hand the small boy felt a stir of excitement.

This was better than living on the street!

He wanted to be important. He wanted to explore the world.

So with a quick grin, he smiled.

 

Yes Le do thoil! (Yes please) Mr. John.

John's eyes sparkled in joy.

You can call me Jack, he replied. 

 

 

Reviews

[Annette Pisano-Higley]

Superb Kathryn! I love Oisin's story!
You have a wonderful talent for storytelling and for capturing the reader's imagination. The conversation is so well-done and all the nuances and subtleties conveyed. Brava!

[Kathryn Smith]

Thanks a million!! :D I can't wait to share more with you! xo