 | a diary? |
Click on each link to read their devastating stories.
The Long Journey From Home:
Life in a New Place:
To gain a better understanding of being a fugitive slave on the underground railroad, you may write your own diary entry. Below is a sample diary entry that may help you complete the task. Remember to review the 'Vocabulary' list and utilize the words in your entry.
Dear Diary,
We have reached another station. Although we were given a meal and a place to rest, I cannot sleep. I keep worrying that tonight will be the night we get caught. As we traveled today, I wondered if I made the right decision. What if I get caught? What if I never become free? In these moments of weakness, I need to remind myself that the life I had before, was a life not worth living. If I start to doubt myself, I think of how I was abused; the scars on my body remind me of the pain I endured.
I cannot help but wonder what will happen if we make it to the new place. What will freedom feel like? I don't know if I will know what to do. I cannot remember the last time I was independent. Will I know what to do? How will I act?
Tomorrow we are traveling by train. As soon as it is dark, we will begin the journey. We will travel all night and reach another station come sunrise. I prefer being on the train because I feel safer. On the nights we walk, I worry someone will catch us. Lastnight the conductor said we traveled 30 kilometers. I don't know how long that is, but it felt like a lifetime. My legs are in pain, but I cannot complain. Many others are much worse than me. Marielle is much older and struggling. The conductor says she will be fine, but I'm not sure. I hope she is okay and can finish the journey.
I must try to get some rest to prepare for tomorrow. I pray that we make it to the next station. I pray that Marielle gets better. I pray that one day I am free. These are my prayers; I hope they are answered.
I will write as soon as I can,
Beatrice
