I looked over the ledge. Yes, red dots lay next to a rock.
I went down to inspect them. The sand gave way as I pushed it away.
No.
Lau lay facing down.
Dead.
He must’ve fallen off the ledge when I pushed him last night, and his head hit the rocks.
My thoughts echoed, and my arms fell weakly to my sides. My eyes were beginning to
dampen, and I wanted to faint.
All this time, I had tried to keep the General alive, and now, I was responsible for the death of
my friend.
I staggered away, trying to laugh at the irony. I did not need to bury Lau. The storm did the
work for me the previous night.
From the ledge, I spotted the bald patch of the General’s head. My eyes met his one last time.
He was surrounded by his officers, who were celebrating his return. He saw me too, and smiled
ruefully, before being escorted to a tent.
If only I had not met him.
I turned around to look at the brilliant sun. The rocks were dressed in a dazzling yellow attire,
and grass grew among their gaps. In a distance, a camel bellowed, embarking on a brand new
journey.
