Santiago de Cuba's market was a hive of activity, a melting pot of colors, smells and sounds that reflected the vibrant life of the city. Merchants filled the streets with stalls crammed with fresh fruits, viands, meats and objects of all kinds. The cries of the vendors mingled with the singing of the slaves in their native dialects, creating a chaotic symphony that echoed throughout the bay of Santiago.
In the distance, ships could be seen entering the bay, loaded with merchandise from distant lands. Among the stalls, those dedicated to the buying and selling of slaves stood out. The slaves, chained and dragging shackles, displayed a variety of emotions: some wept, others prayed to their gods, and some sang melancholy melodies that told stories of their homeland.
Among these stalls, one figure stood out for her beauty and dignity. Sarabi, a young slave girl of 28, glowed with a grace that set her apart from the other women. Her face was a mixture of strength and serenity, her eyes filled with a determination that defied her situation. At her side, her father Kwame, a sturdy 47-year-old man, stood constantly by her side, protecting her from any threat.
Kwame had been brought from Africa, where he was the leader of his tribe and lived in harmony with his beloved wife, Inami, who was pregnant. Their lives were a haven of peace, tinged with the warmth of their shared dreams. But that peace was brutally interrupted by the arrival of the Spanish slavers. Violently torn from their home, Kwame and Inami were taken to Cuba as mere human merchandise. The mistreatment was cruel and relentless, regardless of Inami's advanced stage of pregnancy. Under the relentless Cuban sun, they were forced to work, adapting to a life of slavery and pain that seemed endless. It was in these adverse conditions that Inami gave birth to Sarabi, a ray of hope in their dark existence. In time, the family grew with the birth of two more sons.
Fate, however, showed no mercy. The ranch where they lived went bankrupt, and the owner, in desperation, decided to sell everything. This heartless act separated Sarabi and her father from the rest of the family, breaking the bonds that held them together in the midst of so much suffering. The separation was a devastating blow, a pain that echoed in their hearts and filled them with indescribable sadness.
Together, but heartbroken, Sarabi and Kwame faced an uncertain future as the Santiago de Cuba market continued its hectic routine.
Many landowners had approached them, attracted by Kwame's imposing presence and Sarabi's beauty. However, none had made an offer that would satisfy the sellers, until Mr. Thomas appeared. Thomas, one of the wealthiest landowners in Santiago de Cuba, of English descent, had a presence that could not be ignored. Tall, elegant and with a calculating look, he pushed his way through the crowd and headed straight for the slave selling stall.
— How much for those two? — Thomas asked, pointing at Sarabi and Kwame with a dismissive gesture.
The salesman, a small, shrewd man, smiled when he saw Thomas. He knew he was looking at a man willing to pay a high price for a good investment.
— These two are specia l— said the salesman, trying to raise his courage. The young woman is strong and healthy, and the man is a born leader. I can't let them go for less than....
— I'll offer you double the price you're thinking of — Thomas interrupted with a commanding look. I want them both.
The seller, surprised by the generosity of the offer, quickly nodded. Thomas approached Sarabi and Kwame, examining them carefully. He looked at their teeth to assess their state of health and, satisfied with what he saw, paid the agreed price.
—They are mine — Thomas declared, taking possession of them as if they were mere commodities.
Sarabi and Kwame were driven to Thomas' ranch, walking under the scorching sun for more than two hours. The road was rough and rocky, but Sarabi maintained her strength, despite the fatigue. Arriving at the hacienda, they could see a vast sugar cane field and in the distance, a sugar mill. Other slaves were working cutting cane, carrying heavy bundles and some, exhausted, lay fainting on the road.
At the entrance to the ranch, James, the foreman, a man trusted by Mr. Thomas, was waiting for them. James was known for his harshness and ruthlessness towards the slaves.
— Welcome to your new home — said James with a sarcastic smile. You will quickly learn your place here. And you, nigger, make sure you don't give anyone any trouble.
— James, these two are a valuable investment — said Thomas, handing him the purchase papers. I want you to put them to work right away. This black one can help supervise the other slaves. This one, in the main house for chores or as you wish.
— Understood, sir — James replied, taking the papers. Don't worry, I'll make sure they work properly.
Just at that moment, a carriage pulled up near the entrance. From it descended a tall, blond young man, dressed in elegant clothes and with an air of distinction. It was William, the son of Mr. Thomas, who had just returned from a business trip to England. Upon seeing his father, William smiled and approached to greet him.
— Father, it's good to see you — said William, holding out his hand. How have things been while I've been away?
— William, welcome back — Thomas replied, shaking his son's hand. Everything has been in order. I've just come from buying these two," he added with a dismissive tone, pointing at Sarabi and Kwame.
William looked at Sarabi and his eyes met hers. The first thing he noticed were her eyes, which reflected a deep sadness, laden with untold stories. That look, full of pain and determination, captured his attention like a magnet. Then, his gaze descended to her humble garment, worn and faded, which barely covered her exhausted body. His bare feet, scarred and bruised from miles of walking, highlighted the rawness of his journey, even though his father had a carriage and horses.
Sarabi's decadent figure, a mixture of beauty and suffering, moved William in a way he had not experienced before. Her attitude and strength, despite the odds, awakened in him an unexpected admiration and respect. In that instant, he felt a deep connection with her, a bond that defied all social and racial barriers.
— It's a pleasure to meet you — said William, bowing slightly in respect.
Sarabi, surprised by William's kindness, nodded her head.
— It is an honor, sir — Sarabi replied quietly, her eyes reflecting a mixture of gratitude and fear.
Thomas noticed the interaction and frowned. He didn't like to see his son showing interest in slaves.
— William, you'd better go unpack and say hello to your mother — said Thomas, trying to divert his son's attention. We have a lot to discuss.
— Of course, father — William replied, casting a last glance at Sarabi before heading for the main house. I'll see you later.
Sarabi nodded again, sensing that something deep and meaningful had begun at that moment.
As William walked away, Thomas turned to James.
— Keep an eye on them — Thomas said quietly — I don't want any trouble.
— Yes, sir — James replied, with a smile that promised nothing good.
Sarabi watched as William walked away, feeling a strange mixture of hope and fear in her heart. However, her attention was soon captured by James, who was watching her with an unsettling intensity. His eyes roamed over her figure in a way that made her uncomfortable, showing her an interest that promised nothing good.
— It seems we have a new beauty in our midst — James murmured, taking a step closer.— I hope you know how to behave, nigger. Here, things can be very.... interesting.
Sarabi felt a shiver run down her back, but she held her head high, determined not to show fear.
James took Sarabi and her father to the barracks. The barrack was a large, spacious facility that, from its appearance, resembled a prison. The few windows were very high, making it impossible for the slaves to see outside. The place was cold and dark, highlighting the lack of hygiene as there was no place for the slaves to relieve themselves. The children were painful to look at, many of them malnourished and in a decaying state, sleeping on the cold floor protected by their parents. The air was charged with a palpable sadness, a melancholy that seeped into every corner of that dreary place.
— Occupy your corner, niggers — said James, shoving them out of the way as if they were any trash.
Thus began a new life for Sarabi and Kwame on Mr. Thomas' estate, a life full of challenges, but also of hopes and dreams. The connection between Sarabi and William promised to change the course of their lives, defying all the norms and expectations of their time.