The Metagame

“They say wars are the exclusive domain of men,” Angela thought. “Often discounted are the contributions of the great women who inspired our hearts and rose up to task in times of strife.”

 

“Wars and revolutions are not only fought with bullets, but also with song to instill courage and interest the masses to the cause.”

 

“Being a woman of Haitian descent, I took an interest in the part women played in the Haitian revolutionary war of 1804, the one that preceded the country’s independence from French rule. Let me tell you, there is a heartwarming story to be told. A story to give hope to every civilization aspiring to be free.”

 

“What happened afterwards is a little less glorious, however. Haiti is a poor country, mismanaged at times, at other times the object of competing interests between foreign powers. Amid the insecurity, my parents feared for our lives and fled, and this is how I now found myself in Canada, a country I never thought I would see for myself.”

 

“Quit daydreaming,” the boy next to Angela whispered, careful to avoid the teacher's gaze.

 

“Can’t really help it Josh,” Angela answered, knowing her friend knew exactly what she meant. The teacher’s class was too boring when it came down to theory.