Step 21
Nuria and Avishag sat across from each other. Avishag stared at Nuria, who sat with head bowed. “Look at me,” Avishag said quietly.
“Yes Ma’am,” Nuria replied looking up expectantly.
“Where are you from?”
“A small town outside of Jericho.”
“How did you become a slave?”
“My mother was one.”
“And Timur?”
“My brother.”
“Well, I’m sorry,” said Avishag quietly.
“For what,” Nuria inquired?
“That you and your brother were taken from your mother. It must be painful,” said Avishag looking at Nuria with sad eyes.
“We always knew it would happen. My mother told us. We’re just lucky that we were sold to the same owner. Most brothers and sisters are separated and never see each other again. I’m happy that we belong to the same owner and I work for someone so nice,” Nuria replied softly, a knowing smile playing at the corners of her mouth.
“That’s nice of you to say. How will we do this?”
“Do what?”
“Well, divide the work for one thing.”
“You tell me what to do, and then I do it.”
“I’ve never had a servant before. I never wanted one,” mused Avishag.
“Why not,” asked Nuria in wonder, “Doesn’t everyone?”
Avishag paused, “I suppose most people do. I guess they either need the help or want the status. I don’t really know. I never talked to anyone about it before. But that’s beside the point. The real question is, what am I going to do with you? I don’t know where to start”
“I could sweep the floor. It’s rather dusty in some spots,” Nuria pointed toward a corner.
“A slave and a critic,” Avishag noted wryly.
“I’m sorry mistress,” Nuria replied quickly looking down.
“No child. Don’t worry. You’re correct. Perhaps Enosh knew what he was doing. Let’s start by tidying up the place. We’ll see how things go from there,” Avishag smiled at the strange little girl.
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