Two Lovers

“I don’t like this one bit” 

She gazed sternly at Jokla as if to confirm that this last statement was in no way rhetorical and that she did want, and need, consolation from him. “Darling” he began, “you always worry about things. Every single time we move you think that something bad is going to happen.” “No but this time it’s different, I feel very worried” she snapped back, “the last time we took a much shorter journey than this.”

His eyes wandered around the dimly lit street corner as he thought of another way to console her. For as panicky and sensitive as she was, she was still the love of his life, and who else would support her if not him? His beaming eyes surveyed the group which comprised of family, friends and new acquaintances. This gave him comfort despite the creeping feeling of nervousness that Jekla was putting him in, for as much as he tried to be brave he too was becoming edgy. 

“Hey Jmaro” he yelled out to his cousin sitting lazily on the ground a few meters away, “why don’t you come over and we’ll all sing a song.” Jmaro slowly picked up his head and looked their way with the speed of someone at least twice his age, his distant eyes making it seem like he is almost deciphering the words. Despite his laziness he was well known for having the best voice of them all, that became especially useful at times of worry to sooth the spirits of the group.

Jmaro shifted his weight and with heavy steps walked over. The others, seeing this, gathered around and they all sang one of the known songs together, lead by Jmaro, of course. As the final words were uttered, Jekla leaned in close to Jokla and nuzzled her face next to his. “I miss the children” she whispered into his ear, “do you think we’ll ever see them again?” The moment she asked this he felt a sharp tear in his heart and a lump in his throat, for this was something he also feared. In their short life, they had heard many stories and seen many of their friends and relatives disappear, led away by ‘the others’ to God knows where. They themselves were often moved, but this was the first time they had left without their young. “I’m sure they’re fine and we’ll be taken back to them tomorrow. This is just another trip my dear.” He gently rubbed the side of his face against the smoothness of her woolly white coat. “Everything will be alright” 

Jekla let out a purr and leaned in even closer to him, their bodies not only comforting but warming each other in the cold winter evening. His words had indeed put her at ease to a big extent. “I love you” she whispered.

Loud footsteps behind them alerted Jokla who turned his head to see what was happening. “Look dear, here he comes again. I think we’re going to go back now!” he beamed. With that, her face lit up and she gasped “you mean we’re going back to the children??” “Yes, I think so!” he replied joyfully, feeling happiest that his love was now smiling and happy.

The man walked over to the group with a younger apprentice, for he never did this alone, not if he could help it. Though he had done it dozens of times before, it was always good to have someone else to help with the restraint. The dim yellow light coming from the old streetlamp reflected fiercely off the big knife he held firmly in his right hand. He stood, towering over the group, thinking which to begin with. He patted his little helper on the back and reminded him of the prayer they must say during the procedure. The little helper assured his mentor that he knew it by heart.

“Ok then. Let’s start with those two.”

Happy Eid. 

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