EPISODE 3

Rachav: {My group leader sensed I wasn’t at ease in that environment. The evangelists are so kind… but I shouldn’t have refused their offer to get me a taxi. Now I don’t even know where the taxi rank is. Hm?}

She notices a tall man leaning on his motorbike, lost in thought with a bottle of alcohol in hand.

Rachav: Excuse me, sir — do you know the way to the taxi rank?

The man stares at her in silence.

Rachav: Um… sir, I was asking if you know the way?

He turns his face away without a word.

Rachav: {🤨 He ignored me.} Mister, I—

A cheerful fellow steps in.

Friendly Guy: Oi! Don’t mind my mate, miss.

He slings an arm over the silent man’s shoulder.

Friendly Guy: Just head straight down this road and you’ll find the taxi rank 😊.

Rachav: {Oh yes, I remember now.} (Walking off) May the Most High bless you, dear brothers!

Friendly Guy: {She’s a Christian.} Ah, and you too! (Turning to his friend) You could’ve just pointed the way. If I hadn’t stepped in, we’d never have had a sister now. I do wonder what her name is.

Strange Guy: (Brushing his arm off) Run after her if you want to know.

Friendly Guy: Eish, you’re paranoid. I do hope I meet this “sister” again someday.

--- 

The next day, Rachav arrives at the Tower House Child Care Centre (THCs). A gentle knock sounds on the manager’s office door.

Centre Manager: Come in.

Rachav steps inside.

Rachav: Good day, madam. I’ve come for the job interview.

Centre Manager: Your name?

Rachav: Rachav Rai.

Centre Manager: {Ah, the one sent by the Convent.} No surname, then?

Rachav: No, madam. But… if I may ask, you’re a sister from the Redemption Missionary Church, aren’t you?

Centre Manager: 😄 I am indeed. Since we know each other, let’s drop the formality. Come, sit.

They speak warmly for a while.

Later, in Child Class 2 — for children aged five to six — the mistress introduces her.

Class 2 Mistress: Right, children, gather round. This is Miss Rachav Rai, and she’ll be one of our room nannies. Say hello to Miss Rachav Rai.

Children: Good day, Miss Rachav Rai!

Rachav: Good Heavens 🤭 . Good day to you, dear lambs. How’s your day been?

Some children whisper among themselves at the word “lambs.”

Boy 1: (To his mate) Does she think we’re sacrifices?

Boy 2: Aren’t we just kids?

Rachav smiles, catching their whispers.

Rachav: Oh, little ones — you want to know why I called you lambs, don’t you?

Girl: Well… yes.

Rachav: (Sitting on a chair) Come closer, children. Let’s have a little talk. The best listeners will earn a star.

The children crowd eagerly around her.

Class 2 Mistress: Hm. She’s won them over on the very first day. Let’s see if she manages the same in the days to come.

--- 

Two days later, Rachav has survived the chaos of her lively class — a group known to be more energetic than a pride of playful lions.

On Thursday the 25th, she waits at the Main Gate of the Empire Territory. An elderly but sprightly man, the Head Butler, approaches.

Head Butler: Miss Rachav Rai, is it not?

Rachav: (Nods politely)

Head Butler: I must apologise for the behaviour of the gatekeepers earlier.

Rachav: Oh no, please don’t worry 😄. They were only doing their job.

Gatekeeper 1: {Is this woman defending us, only to punish us later?}

Head Butler: Indeed. This way, Miss.

He gestures courteously, leading her inside. As she passes the gatekeepers, Rachav bows her head.

Rachav: May Jehovah bless you, sirs.

Gatekeeper 2: {Whatever. Let’s just show her respect to avoid trouble.}

The gatekeepers bow in return.

Gatekeepers: You too, miss.

Through exchanged glances, they silently pray that the new babysitter of young Master Tiberius won’t repay their earlier rudeness with revenge.

Head Butler: Your agreement papers will be signed by the Master once he returns from his trip. You may begin work tomorrow.

Rachav: Oh, of course. {(Delighted and determined) It’s only babysitting. How hard can it be?}