Chapter 25: Leonard’s Defiance

Leonard lounged against the outer wall of the slave quarters, his posture relaxed but his gaze sharp. As Olivera emerged from the building, clutching the bag on her shoulder as though it might slip at any moment, Leonard straightened up and began walking toward the second field. He assumed Olivera, now hurrying to catch up with him, would follow his lead. “Finally,” he muttered under his breath, already striding off with a determined pace. Olivera, breathless from her hurried pace, finally matched his stride and walked beside him. “Are you alright?” she asked, her concern evident in her voice. Leonard sighed inwardly. His discomfort was palpable, and he knew he had to keep his temper in check. He forced himself to respond with a neutral hum, hoping she would take the hint and avoid probing further until they reached her cell. Understanding the unspoken message, Olivera bit her tongue and fell silent. She sensed Leonard’s reluctance to discuss his feelings and chose to respect his s