A big mistake

We’ve been in hiding for over two months.

“I don’t know how much longer I can take this.” Sasha complains to me. “I can’t stay in this room anymore. I need to go outside.”

“I hate it too.” I tell her. “But we have to do what is best for us.”

Her uncle enters the room. “She’s right.” He says. “It would be a bad idea.”

“I need to get some fresh air or I’m going to die.” She says. “Please.”

He thinks hard for a moment before letting out a defeated sigh. She’s been talking about this for days. We’ve had the arguments, we’ve talked about the dangers, but she persists. I can’t say that I’m not also losing my mind. I can’t say that I don’t want to go outside too. I’m sick of this room.

“Alright.” He mutters. “But here’s the deal.”

We both look at him attentively.

“I was going to go to the market to pick up a bag of flour.” He tells Sasha. “You can go for me. It’s just a few streets over.”

“Oh thank you!” She says, starting to get up.

“Hold on!” He yells. “You go right there, and right back. No wasting time, no adventures! You keep your head down and try not to draw any attention to yourself. Do you understand?”

“Yes, uncle.” She says, giving him an approving nod.

My better judgement leaves me. The temptation is too great.

“I should go with her.” I speak up. “To make sure that she’s okay.”

I can see the strain on his face as he considers me going along with Sasha.

“Fine.” He utters. “But you follow the same rules as her.”

“We’ll be careful.” I tell him. “I promise.”