A Nightmare

Full Moon

The two friends decided to camp on Jabal Lawa together and watch the full moon. Fully packed, they met at the entrance to the village and set off eagerly for their destination. They laughed and generally had a lot of fun during the ascent which at times was quite strenuous. Khajul was the first to run out of breath and Alain generously allowed him a break. While Khajul carefully sipped at the water bottle so as not to be a burden on their water reserves, they looked down into the valley that opened up before them.

After a few hours they reached the top, and Khajul threw himself on the ground, completely exhausted. Alain searched the surroundings for useful things. He found some twigs and branches which they used to build a small fire pit. It was pleasantly warm. The two of them spent the rest of the afternoon dozing. As dusk began to fall, they lit the fire and ate their snacks.

„When I grow up, I want to make this world fairer," said Alain. „It shouldn't always be those who already have a lot who always win."

Khajul nodded in agreement. He did not have great expectations for his future, as he would simply take over his uncle's shop.

They chatted about their fondest wishes and dreams until Khajul began to shiver from the cold. Without realising it, they had moved closer together until their knees touched. Their eyes met and their surroundings tensed instantly. His hand on Khajul's cheek, Alain slid forward, leaned in... It happened in no time. Gently and carefully, their lips probed each other. After half of what felt like an eternity, they parted, gasping for air.

The leaves rustled, the stones rattled, the moon shone down extensively on the shadows, but this time the attention of that night was on another couple.

At dawn, the two made their way down into the valley. With cheeks rosy from the cold and the events of the previous night they sought the path while happily grinning. They were walking on clouds, both in their own little dreamland.

„There, the first houses! We soon have reach-" Alain was surprised by five covered men jumping out from behind the rocks. They overwhelmed and gagged the two friends in no time. Frozen in terror, the boys looked at each other with wide eyes. Two more figures approached from behind the rock. A stern-looking, small, round woman pointed at Khajul:

„That one. Make it quick. We have other things to do."

Behind her, Alain could make out the sneering face of Kira. Infuriated and feeling betrayed, he cursed at his step brother. But his attention returned quickly back to Khajul. A man had pulled out a gun and was pointing it at Khajul's temple. With tears running down his face, Alain screamed and wriggled trying to free himself. He was scared. When the shot rang in his ears, everything around him went white.

There's little joy in life for me, And little terror in the grave; I've lived the parting hour to see of one I would have died to save. (Charlotte Brontë)