TST, 2020
The chipping machine produced a mammoth noise. They could be heard at any time.
Baraka’s lips were trembling. “I think we should just leave.”
Daniel continued removing the cemented floor. Leo’s and Isla’s eyes were moving here and there twitchily.
Baraka wept the sweat. “Hey Dan, just stop!”
Daniel kept chipping. After ten minutes, only bricks remained on the floor. The three started removing the bricks off.
“Baraka, can’t you be of any help?” Isla said.
Baraka looked around skeptically. “If we get—”
“You can leave.” Leo said.
Baraka knelt and started removing the bricks.
“OMG!” Isla snapped, looking at the lights coming from a distance.
“We’re dead!” Baraka muttered.
“Let’s keep digging!” Leo said.
The lights were getting closer.
“Guys, I’m leaving!” Baraka said.
The three kept digging.
“Guys, they are almost here!”
They kept digging.
“Guys, I don’t want to get caught.”
Isla looked at the lights. “I think we should go.”
Baraka exhaled. “You took so—”
“I have found something!” Leo said, removing a small reddish-brown metal case.
The lights were very close. Leo gave the case to Isla and the three started running.
“Leo, what are you doing?” Isla said.
“Buying you some time. Go!” Leo said.
“No. you’re in this mess because I left you alone that night, I’m not leaving you again.”
Baraka kicked a stone. “Guys, it’s not time for arguing!”
The lights were few meters from them. The footsteps were now heard plainly.
“Dan, take this and go. I’ll stay with Leo.” Isla said, handing the case to Daniel.
Leo touched Isla’s face. “I value your concerns but if you want that case to reach into your mother’s arms unopened, you better start running.”
“What about you?”
“I’ll find a way out, I always.”
Isla hugged Leo. “Don’t get caught!”
Leo pulled Isla away. “Go!”
Leo watched the three vanishing into the darkness. His whole body was trembling. But that was friendship. Friendship means laying down your life for somebody, really willing to sacrifice yourself for somebody else.
He felt something sharp pressing his back. “Don’t move!”