Free Caged Eagles by Eric Walters Page B

requested.
    My father handed over the three sets of registration papers as well as the forms given to him by the little bald man.
    â€œYou are assigned to the men’s dormitory,” one of the officers said, pointing to my father. “And the rest of the family is assigned to the family building,” he continued.
    There was a heavy silence. What did he mean?
    â€œI don’t understand,” my father said.
    One of the officers took a deep breath. “What don’t you understand?” he asked, and his voice had taken on an angry tone. “ You go to men’s residence, you are a man,” he said loudly, sticking out a hand and practically poking a finger into my father’s chest. “And the rest of you,” he said, waving a hand toward us, “are to go to the family quarters. Do you people speak English?”
    â€œAs much as you do!” I snapped. Why did people keep on asking that question?
    â€œAll of you?” he asked.
    â€œEven my grandmother,” I answered. And of course that was only half a lie. She understood a lot, but really didn’t speak it very well.
    â€œGood, that makes it so much easier to explain,” the officer said.
    â€œI’ll try to explain,” the second officer said. “Men, and that includes any male over the age of sixteen …”
    He paused. “How old are you?”
    â€œFourteen,” I answered.
    â€œYou look older. Anyway, men are assigned to a bed in one building, and families go to a separate residence.”
    â€œBut why can’t we stay together?” I asked.
    â€œProblems with space and privacy. The men’s building is just one big room, filled with bunk beds three high. There’s no privacy. It’s not the place for women or children. The family dormitory is subdivided so each family has its own space.”
    â€œWhy can’t my father just live in that space with us?” I demanded.
    The officer shook his head. “There just isn’t space. It will be cramped enough for the five of you and all your possessions.”
    â€œBut we wouldn’t mind being crowded —”
    â€œSorry, son,” the officer said, cutting me off. “Those are the orders and there’s nothing I can do about it.
    Besides, it isn’t like your old man will be far away. The two buildings are just a hundred yards apart. And you’ll be eating all your meals together in the same building. I know it isn’t what I’d want if it was me and my family … I’m sorry … I really am … I hope you understand.” He handed my father back all the papers.
    â€œThank you,” my father said.
    My father started to walk and we silently trailed behind him. We stopped moving at the fork of the path, where it split off in the two directions.
    â€œWe will meet later at the truck and unload,” my father said.
    There was no emotion in his voice. Calm, quiet, steady. That was the opposite of how my sisters looked.
    Yuri looked like she was about to cry.
    â€œEverything is fine,” my father said in that same tone. “Everything is fine,” he repeated. “Now go. Work to be done.”
    My mother reached over and took Yuri by the hand and started to lead her away.
    â€œTadashi … stay,” my father said, and I remained at his side.
    â€œYou are to be responsible,” my father began. “I will be close … for now.”
    A wave of fear washed over me. “What … what do you mean?” I asked in alarm.
    â€œYou and I must take care of the family. If I am not here … then you.”
    â€œBut there’s Mom and grand —”
    My father silenced me with a hardened look. “They will help, but you will have to lead. You are the male and the oldest … almost a man.”
    I wanted to say something back, but his words had caught me so off guard I couldn’t get the words out. I just stood there, a dumb