Days passed and the distance between the three girls became small.
At first, it was the study group after class where Adele would take Emilia books, impressed on how her book is arranged. " You actually enjoy doing this" she teased one afternoon when they were studying under the mango tree close to the school only pavilion.
Emilia smiled "Not really, she explained. I like things being arranged so that it flows well, no obstruction, no hidden agenda, just a flow of writing that can be understandable.
After study hours, they trekked back home. Why don't you guys start at my place today? Let's put it as a peace offering, Emilia suggested. Anyways my mum isn't around so it's just us three. Adele and Mara agreed, smiling, so the trio walked back to the East wing's Emilia's house.
Emilia set a tray of juice and biscuits on the table before sitting opposite them. Adele leaned forward slightly, " those markings on the wall, "Who made them"? She asked. My grandma Emilia said she said women of their time write in symbols not writing, she explained staring at the wall.
"Symbols, why?" Maria frowned
Emilia continued, "because they don't write to remember they write to listen, it's how they kept what they read to themselves.
Adele exchanged a quick glance to Mara "So… is like a diary". She asked
" No". Emilia murmured. "It's older than that – My granny gave me this letter. She walked over to a small drawer l, brought out a folded, worn out paper, the edges were almost torn out and the ink faded but the symbols written in it were still noticeable. She said, the women used to write messages not with words but signs, they felt the sign holds memories. Adele stared at the symbols "hold memories" she repeated.
Emilia nodded but I couldn't read it, she added. Adele looked at the paper eyes covered with tears and sniffed it back. My mum taught me how to write and interpret Arabic when I was little so I can recognize Arabic symbols if I see one. And this is an Arabic symbol she said.
This symbols she pointed at them says
"Silence is a safety but silence is a chain" she paused then continued again, "The moment a woman learns how to swallow her words a generation is forgotten" she quoted them went mute. What does it mean? Emilia asked with confusion written all over her face. Mara looked at her saying, It means everything the council is telling us is not the total truth. Emilia gasped, closing her mouth with her hands. What are we going to do about it she asked. Adele and Mara stared at each other for a while.
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During class period, break to be precise the hallway was filled with people until a loud noise came from the classroom Adele class, Sophie what is it Emilia asked, I saw this paper in my locker Sophie showed the paper to her, students surrounded her saw the symbols in the letter started whispering and arguing
"What does it mean?"
"Who did this?"
"Is this real?"
In less than thirty minutes, rumors spread like wildfire across the entire school.
Who found this?
A voice belonging to no other person than the council's son.
Gail hesitated. " I saw it in my locker".
He looked at the paper symbols. " Whoever the dis," he murmured " is playing either playing with fire or calling it"
Mara and Adele exchanged looks. How did they get it? Emilia whispered looking at them and Emmanuel, who was busy staring at the letter. The most important thing is "do you think he can read it?" Mara whispered to them.
If anyone knows about this should speak up before the council starts asking questions, he concluded leaving the room. Mara leaned towards Adele "I feel he knows something". Adele looked at the place he passed "Then we moved slowly". She turned to Mara "burn the symbols" she said suddenly, but that's the only evidence, Mara replied confused about what led to the outburst, "I know Mara" Adele sighed. If we don't burn it now we are going to be in big trouble Mara Adele is right, if we don't burn it now we might lose our heads Emilia butt in feeling scared but who could have done this? She asked Adele shaked her head. I don't know Emily but before they start house checks we need to be careful. She turned to Mara facing her. I'm going to do something. I'll be back in the next minute alright? Mara nodded be careful she said.
Adele walked to the courtyard where she saw Emmanuel looking at some post card, she took a deep breath and approached him.
"I know who dropped the letter". He lifted his gaze, narrowing his eyes " You do"
"Yes," she replied. But it is not what you think.
Emmanuel covered the report card and focused his attention on the scared girl in front.
" Okay I won't hurt you", who is it?
Adele looked at the ground fear and worry flooded her face, she started fixing the strap of her bags, her thoughts running faster than her heart beat. She looked up again scared, Promise, you won't tell the council if I tell you.
Emmanuel tilted his head slightly, studying her face. "Try me," he said.
Mr Luketon she blurted out.
Emmanuel, totally taken off guard, stared at the strange girl for a minute not understanding what he just heard. Mr Luketon he repeated the "keeper of order" why will he do such a thing? Why are you accusing him he asked. Because you told me to tell you before the council finds out and I did, I didn't want him to die, she replied. Emmanuel stares at her, If you don't believe She continued, go and search his house you might see the original or the copy or even something related to it. Then she left.