Pedrito’s Diary, Day 21
February 11, 2025
“Where is my name, Pedrito?” Gabriel asked me. How could I tell him that he will have to stay here? I took a few breaths. I hugged him then. “My darling Gabriel, they won’t allow you to come with me,” I told him. “Why?” He wanted to know. “Jose and Jesu will be with you,” I mumbled. I didn’t have the answer to his question. He slowly fell to the floor and started to bawl. “MAKE IT QUICK! MOVE ALREADY!” A guard hollered. Gabriel continued to cry inconsolably. I couldn’t do anything for him. I followed the guard’s order.
Alejandro, Diego and I got into line to get on the bus. I could still hear Gabriel’s loud crying and sobbing. The hangar was now half empty and I could see Jose, Jesu, and Gabriel huddled together in our usual spot. They were facing us and Jose was hugging both little ones. Jose had to hold them tightly because they were trying to get free to join us.
I turned my head around again. I was also crying, and I didn’t want Gabriel to see me like this. “NOW WALK SLOWLY TO THE FRONT GATES!” The same guard told us. The 3 of us took very small steps. We had bowed our heads down. Then a loud different voice said, “WAIT!” We all looked up. It was Mr. Matias! That nice guard was back. I couldn’t believe what happened next.
“Hi, kids. Where is the rest of you?” He asked. We pointed to the spot where we left our other 3 dear friends. Mr. Matias waved both of his hands to them and signaled Jose, Jesu and Gabriel to come over to him. They immediately did. “Just wait here. I’ll be right back.” He said and quickly walked to the gates, then outside. After some time passed, he returned to the hangar. 3 children were with him.
The other guard asked Mr. Matias: “Why are those 3 not in a bus?” “Because those 3 children will swap their places with these 3.” Mr. Matias replied. “But our orders were . . .,” protested the other guard. Mr. Matias interrupted him: “I am your superior. Write down the new names as they tell them to you. Quick! Do as I say!”
We couldn’t believe our luck! All 6 of us gave Mr. Matias many hugs and thanked him many times. “By the way, kids, I will also be in the other facility. Who knows, we might all be in the same bus.”
I always loved jumping rope. All I wanted to do now was just jump up and down because I was so very happy. Then I felt Gabriel’s little hand grab mine. He lifted his head up, looked me in the eyes, and said, “Thank you, Pedrito! Thank you for not leaving me!” I bent down a little and kissed him on his cheeks.
© hülya n. yılmaz, February 22, 2015
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