TE20 Migrant Mosaics

The Fig Tree

It didn’t answer him.

It stood there for a little while longer before going back into the bedroom.

After a while he peered around the door. Jana was sitting on the bed, still wrapped in the sheet.

Are you coming for some breakfast?

No! she said. Sharply, brusquely.

A little while afterwards he brought a tray over to her, which had a few slices of bread and jam on it, and a cup of cocoa. He placed it down next to her on the bedside table. Jana got up from the bed and sat herself down on his armchair. He didn’t remember her ever sitting down there before. Itwas strange to see her sitting there, attempting to make herself comfortable.

You have to eat, he said.

She shook her head.

You have to eat so you can take your tablets. Do you hear me? You have to eat something so you can take your tablets.

She shook her head once again.

Fine. I’m going, but eat this. Please, Jana, eat this.

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