PRABE Week 8

     Meena's life with Solomon Lindo and his wife is so much different than the plantation. She is not beaten or mistreated and she is given food, clothing and shelter. Mr. Lindo can see the potential in Meena and he teaches her how to keep his books and his wife teaches her proper penmanship. Considering she is still enslaved, she has better circumstances than most. All of that changes with several deaths that leave her alone with Mr. Lindo. He is lost in his grief and rarely acknowledges her.
     Chekura finds Meena in Charles Town and informs her that Mr. Lindo is the one that arranged the sale of their son. Shortly after, Meena and Mr. Lindo pack up for a trip to New York. Meena discovers new possibilities and with the war between the British and rebel forces closing the harbor, she is able escape Mr. Lindo before he departs from New York. As time passes, Meena makes a name and a home for herself. She works in a tavern, catches babies, and teaches others to read and write. She also has a home in canvas town with others that are "free".
     The British employ Meena to help track all free slaves that have served the British, in one way or another. These free slaves, along with those still owned and those indentured, would be transported to Nova Scotia, the supposed Promised Land. During this lengthy process, Chekura once again finds her. He too is now free and they plan a fresh life together beginning with another baby. As they are about to set sail, Meena is pulled from the ship because someone has made a claim against her. She persuades Chekura to go ahead of her and promises they will find each other again in Nova Scotia.