Notes

1 They push Dora forward, and she falls on the ground in front of me, trembling. She is so small and thin, like a flower shaking in the wind. Our eyes meet. We cannot use words so we speak with our eyes.

2 I don't want to do this, my eyes tell her. But Mad Tiger and the other commanders are watching us, so I take Dora's arm and pull her to her feet. I want to ask her questions - Why did she try to escape without me?

3 Why, Dora, why? We have always known each other's secrets before tonight. Holding Dora's arm, I push her towards the trees. The killing will happen there, behind the trees. where no one can see.

4 They are watching me, I can feel their eyes on my back. Perhaps they are following us, but 1 can't turn round to look, My legs are trembling. The stone in my throat gets bigger. My hands are hot and wet, and my fingers are making red marks on Dora's arm.

5 I take my hand away. I can't do this, not to Dora. We ve been here together for three years. 'Don't be sorry/ Dora whispers. 'You have to do it. Everybody has to do it/

6 She mustn't talk, someone will hear. Afraid, I behind me. We are alone. Quickly, I Dora further into the trees. We stop. Fm l/m afraid.

7 l can't do this / l cry. 'You must/ Dora whispers. 'Or they'll kill you too.' Then they must kill us both./ The stone in my throat goes away with those words.

8 'You're my friend. We can run away... look for the governments soldiers .., ask for help .,/ I speak excitedly. We can do it. 'Acayo/ Dora says "stop this talk. You know we-'

9 At that moment comes the sound of heavy guns behind us, where Mad Tiger and the others are. ^What.»? / whispers Dora Suddenly I understand.

10 Those are government army guns, not our gyns. A helicopter gunship has found Mad Tiger's group. This is our chance! drop my gun and take hold of Dora's hand.

11 'Run!' Dora stares at me, not sure. /Do you still want to be a doctor?' I shout, Suddenly Dora's feet come to life again, And the ground under our running feet trembles.