Shamgar and Dan were on time for dinner. As usual, they were served cold porridge and flat bread. Shamgar ate his bowl of porridge in a hurry. He was so hungry that he finished up the entire porridge within seconds.
" Be careful son. You might shoke." Dan says as he rubs his back with his hand. He felt pity for the youngster. He wished he could serve his punishment for him, but it was impossible. The kid in front of him was paying for the crime his father committed. He wondered what kind of father will cause so much trouble for his own son.
After dinner, Shamgar walked back to his room after saying goodnight to Dan. As usual, Rajah and the other boys walked around naked. Although they were all boys, Shamgar didn't feel comfortable with it. He always slept with his underwear on. Unlike the others who sleeps naked.
Shamgar walked pass them to where the bowl of water was. He washed his face, hands, and legs before he took his clothes off leaving his underwear. Without throwing an eye on them, he went back to his spot and lay down.
" Look at him. He thinks he is more important than any of us." Rajah said with a sneer.
" We are all slaves here. You don't have to act like a prince. Patmos complained.
" Maybe he is royalty. We should call him, the prince of the slaves." Rajah mocked while the others laughed.
" Don't pay attention to them Shamgar. They're just being hateful." A voice spoke for amongst them.
" Who asked you to speak Pinocchio?" Rajah asked in a sneer.
" My name is not Pinocchio, but Shem."
" You're friends with that looser?" Rajah asked with a smirk on his face.
" He is not a looser, and you should stop picking on him." Shem replied.
" I see. You two are perfect together. Pinocchio and the peacock. What a perfect Duo." Rajah Chuckles. " You should pick a better team Pinocchio." He nudge Shem's shoulder. Without saying another word Shem laid down close to Shamgar.
" Are you sleeping?" Shem whispered, but Shamgar didn't reply him. His eyes were closed but he wasn't asleep.
" Shamgar!" Shem whispered a yell.
" Leave me alone!" Shamgar replied in a cold voice.
" I just want to talk."
" I don't feel like talking"
" Why are you being difficult? You don't have to be cold towards others. I don't know what happened to you, or how you got here. I just want you to know that you're not the only one who has left their love ones and home behind. We all did. If you think shutting others out will make you feel better, then continue. Shem stood up and walked back to his spot were he laid. Shamgar tried to stop him, but he ended up holding his hand back.
Throughout the night, Shamgar didn't fall asleep. His eyes were fixed on the metal roof above him. He spent the entire night thinking about his mother and Diana.
" I hope you're okay mother. I miss you so much Diana". He whisperers, as tears rolls down his cheeks.