Chapter 16: The Midday Reprieve

Jeremy and Lyon made their way toward the dilapidated shack situated at the far edge of the field. The structure, clearly weathered by time and the harsh elements, served as the diner for the slaves and laborers. As they approached, the thick, musty scent of sweat mixed with the faint aroma of something cooking wafted through the air, signaling the start of the midday meal. Stepping inside, Jeremy couldn’t help but smile faintly at the sight of the commotion. Women moved about the disordered space, balancing heavy trays of food, while men, exhausted from their labor, huddled at the scattered wooden tables. The air buzzed with idle chatter, but beneath it all was a shared fatigue, a weight that none could escape. His heart skipped a beat as his eyes swept the room. *Olivera must be here somewhere,* he thought. He hadn’t seen her since arriving at the camp, and the thought of seeing her again filled him with a mixture of hope and dread. She was the only thread of familiarity in this st