I sit at the kitchen table, my mind still foggy from the call I received. My mother looks at me, visibly exhausted from her long day of work. Léa is in the living room, absorbed in her homework. I know I need to talk to him, tell him what's going on. I take a deep breath.
-Mom I received an important call today
She looks up, intrigued. A call ? From whom?
-Of the Army. They have a mission for me. They offer a large sum of money in exchange.
Her face freezes, and she slowly sets down the cup of tea she was holding. "The army? Thomas, what are they talking about?"
I briefly explain to him Colonel Dupont's call, the two million dollars, and the need for someone discreet and reliable. As I speak, I see his face fall, fear and worry settling there.
-Thomas, it's dangerous. You know what happened to your father. You can't leave like that. What if... what if you don't come back?
I take her hand, trying to reassure her despite my own doubts.
-Mom, I understand your concerns, but this mission is different. The colonel said it was a simple mission with no real danger. We will be well protected.
She stares at me, searching for a truth that I struggle to hide from her.
-Are you sure of what you're saying?
I nod, forcing a reassuring smile.
-Yes mom. I wouldn't leave if I thought there was real danger. But this sum is a chance for us to escape this poverty. With this money, we could live without worrying about money, Léa could go to a good school, you could stop working so hard.
She bites her lip, tears in her eyes.
-I don't want to lose you, Thomas. I couldn't stand that.
I squeeze his hand a little tighter.
-You won't lose me, I promise. This is a unique opportunity, Mom. For all of us. Trust me.
She nods slowly, tears flowing freely now.
-Okay, Thomas. But be careful. Come back to us safe and sound.
I give him an encouraging smile, although my heart is heavy with guilt. I hate lying to him, but I don't see any other way. I have to do this for her, for Léa. I get up and go to my sister, ruffling her hair like I always do. She smiles at me, innocent and carefree, unaware of the heavy decisions being played out around her.
-Will you read me a story tonight?, asked my little sister
-You've become so big yet you want me to read you a story, I said to him amused
-Yes, she said to me
-Okay, what story do you want me to read to you?, I asked him
-The story of the mermaid, she answered me excitedly
That night, I couldn't sleep. I think about the mission, what the colonel told me, the potential risks that I minimized to reassure my mother. But above all, I thought about what this sum could do for us.
In the morning, my decision is made. I'll call the colonel back and accept the mission.
Whatever it takes, I will not let my family live in these conditions another day.