Baghdad Blood Theatre

Second day of investigations

Ali: Good morning. I hope you look better today. Can you talk and tell us what happened? Based on the ID they found with your name on it, Haider, can you tell me what happened?

While the police officer talks to Haider, Haider doesn't hear what Ali is saying. All that's in Haider's mind are the events of the bloody night he experienced and how everything unfolded. Ali's voice to Haider is like the buzzing of an annoying fly. Haider refocuses on Ali after Ali slams the table in frustration.

Ali: "Why aren't you planning to say anything"?

Haider: "Where am I? Who are you?" (says in a frightened, hesitant voice)

Ali: "Finally, the nightingale sings! Your name is Haider, right"?

Haider: "Yes, sir".

Ali: "Haider, what do you remember about the crime that happened? We found you in the middle of a bloodbath".

Haider's memories rush back to him all at once, prompting him to let out a loud scream. He wraps his arms around his legs, pulling them close to his chest, and starts crying.

Ali: "Looks like we won't get anywhere with this guy. I should at least provide any evidence todetective Ahmed tomorrow. Well, he can answer at least one question. What do 'red mask, blood, 7, Mohammed' mean? We understand blood, but what about the rest"?

Haider was less disturbed than yesterday. Though scared and frightened, he could hear and understand what the officer was saying.

Haider: "What do these words mean, sir"?

Ali: "Honestly, I don't know. You kept repeating them, so there's likely a connection between them and what happened at that place".

Haider: "We were seven people, sir".

Ali: "Good, that's the first thing clarified, and we've reached something positive. The number of bodies is 7, no, 6, and you're the seventh, right?

Haider: "Yes, sir".

Ali: "Alright, Haider, focus with me. Who is Mohammed, and what about the red mask"?

Haider: "Mohammed is my friend, and he's the one behind it all".

Ali: "Behind what? Speak up"!

Haider: "Sir, Mohammed is the reason for everything that happened"!

Ali: "So, Mohammed is the killer? Where is he? What does he look like? Give me information about him so we can apprehend him as soon as possible"!

Haider: "Sir, Mohammed is the reason, but he's dead, and he's among the bodies..."

Ali: " you're driving me crazy", but I'll be patient with you. I want to hear the whole story from the beginning, but first, tell me about the red mask".

Haider: "Sir... give me some time to gather my thoughts so I can tell you everything properly..."

Haider needed some time to collect his scattered thoughts, to recall the details, and to mentally prepare himself to speak about what needed to be said and postpone his mourning for his friends who perished that night.