FOR THE MOTHERLAND (PART III)

_{For the motherland - Pixabay CCO}

Luke was very much inclined to be sympathetic to the tears of his acquaintance, but between the dismal options of showing empathy and risking death, or stifling feelings to be bartered for perhaps another torturous day in the morbid macabre menagerie called life, there was really not much of a choice to make.

Quickly pressing the index finger of his left hand to his own lips, Luke frowned at John, although the expression was more one of consternation than displeasure. John quite got the message and checked himself, although the rivulets that flowed from his eyes could not be stayed. The lachrymose young man nodded and became quieter.

“It seems the murderers have left this place,” Luke whispered, after making a cursory sweep of the area with his eyes, “but we are not safe.”

“Let us head for the Police station,” replied John, attempting to wipe his eyes with the sleeve of his dirty jacket. Luke replied by pointing in the direction of the huge column of smoke which rose steadily into the late afternoon sky. “You see that?” he asked quietly. “That is the Police station.”

“Impossible!”

“That’s where I’m coming from,” Luke stated. “I think we should just try and make it to the road and get to the barracks.” John looked terrified. “The road is open and there are no places to hide. How are we going to get far?”

“We will most likely meet no one on the road,” replied Luke confidently. “The mob is moving away from here, unless some diabolical twist of fate makes the murderous rabble retrace their steps. Besides, if we meet anyone, they may be in a vehicle and help us. Most vehicle owners in this place are educated, and it is unlikely that educated individuals are among our assailants. Besides, a mob will be easier to spot on open ground than in a place like this, wherein we can be easily surrounded.”

John seemed to see the sense in Luke’s analysis. And reasonably too; Luke was known to be a critical thinker, gifted with the ability to make sound decisions in the heat of the moment. Like now.

“Okay,” John said with a bit of uncertainty in his voice. “I pray we survive, in any case.”
“We shall,” Luke replied, reassuring himself just as much as he was reassuring John. He hated acting in leadership positions; in his opinion, they were emotionally tasking. But today, he found himself with someone looking up to him for guidance, even if it had not been verbally stated.
“We shall, because we must.”

That little boy,

@pearlumie