Before the War

The lined up tanks are housed just behind the rock formations, north of Manakistan. They are on standby for as long as necessary, with the aim of preventing any aggression that comes from outside, or at least as soon as the government classifies it.

It is about a hundred kilometers from India, the most distant neighbor, but not before crossing an immensity of desert lands. The terrain makes it moderately difficult to slow heavy vehicles. They are all yellowish in color, tending more towards cream, without further details.

The cold at dusk, largely due to the merciless winter, prevents people from passing through there, especially groups of soldiers. By nightfall, few challenge those lands.

Are you sure you will proceed? There's no point in rushing - Aziz, a pilgrim in his thirties. Those who observe him for the first time say that he is much older. Aziz keeps his back almost glued to the stones, so that he can withstand the cold. His chest is covered with sewn rags, which form something similar to a blanket.

I know what I do... at least in part, I must confess – Hari doesn't lose sight of the patrol, even if his vision is somewhat limited. Hari is a young man, with his full fifteen years old. He is known to be restless, unable to accept fate being shaped by human hands – And I am well aware that people out there, in the direction I look, need help.

That's very noble, Hari. Everything you say is worthy of attention - Aziz pauses briefly, on account of a great yawn - But it is not simple desires that shape reality, even if we are surrounded by them - Aziz reaches for a stone, which is not so sharp , so as to recline the head.

Dreams, without being put into practice, are of no use – Hari shrinks his body, showing signs that he accepts the cold as a great danger. Quickly, he draws his legs in and speaks more calmly. The cold is so much that even talking causes him pain.

Aziz, from now on you don't owe me anything. Death is more than certain. There is nothing I can do to protect him - Hari bends his body, so that his body is not uncovered once again.

When getting up, even partially, Hari reaches a bag containing some coins, and makes little point of being seen with them.

I could have made things easy for myself. If I took those coins, nobody would know what I did to you - Aziz gropes the gift received, not knowing for sure its real origin. However, he is satisfied. Both with the words spoken and the reward won – But under these conditions, I would have one less customer.

Hari coughs, almost uncontrollably, but he tries hard not to look vulnerable. Aziz notices, rather immediately, but remains silent. There is considerable regret in his own actions, but Aziz knows he is a fine survivor.

"If I worried about everything going on around me, I wouldn't be alive a long time ago", Aziz is forced to reflect, almost giving in to the tiredness of a long day.

His body still hurts, due to a regimented life crossing from one corner of Manaquistan to the other. There is no real home, and Aziz has come to care about that, much more about that.

He take a break. You are young. Your goals will be achieved... sooner or later – Aziz answers him, breaking a silence that preceded their sleep.

Time has never been on my side – Hari is interrupted by an unbearable sound. Fear takes over the hearts of both, and in such a way that they are lost in their experiences.

The sound is like a cannon fire, but neither of them has had enough time to notice where it came from, and where it went. Faced with the situation, both crawl on the floor, in an attempt to protect themselves.

What there was? - Aziz is incredulous, even knowing that at any time, a confrontation would occur.

Exactly what he's thinking. Aziz, it's time to say goodbye – Hari says goodbye without saying much more. Gradually, he gathers his belongings, even getting them dirty as he drags them across the floor. His look demonstrates the feelings that appear at the moment: fear and confusion.

Aziz doesn't answer. He knows what his intentions are, and has no reason to deny his claim.

The tank fire stopped and gave space for the infantry to advance. For a few seconds, the shots of bullets take over the environment, without any rest. The dark night, without even a hint of lunar light, is modified with each shot.

Be careful boy – Aziz hides in a small stony stretch, where he enters with some difficulty – I wish I had done more, but maybe your faith will bring you a better course.