Chapter 25 Section 25

Although I am an Orthodox Christian in name, I don't know much about the world after death. I only know that it must not be worse than what I just experienced. As if confirming this idea, I felt a pleasant sensation on my lips, at first I didn't know what it was, and then I realized it was cool water.I felt the liquid seep from between my teeth and onto my swollen tongue. I thought I must be in heaven, otherwise how could I experience such a blissful feeling that infiltrates my body and mind. I was enjoying the moment, after so many days of thirst, the taste of ordinary clear water was beyond words.

Then I thought of Nikolai, and in an instant the reverie of heaven vanished, replaced by an inescapable reality.I felt more precious water falling on my chapped lips, but I moved away subconsciously. Compared with the worries about my loved ones, my physical needs were completely negligible.A gentle palm touched my head, stopping my movement, and a gentle and comforting voice sounded, speaking a language I was not familiar with.So I lay quietly, all kinds of blurred images rushed to my mind, and I didn't know where to focus my attention.I wanted to call out Nikolay's name, but as soon as I tried, the pain spread all over my body, and I had to collapse again, and that alone was exhausting.

I tried to speak again, but a finger lightly on my lips stopped me, and the stranger said something to me, apparently telling me to lie still. Fresh water was delivered to my lips again, and I tried to move my swollen tongue to taste its taste, hoping that the refreshing effect of the cold water would restore some strength to me. My eyes gradually found focus, but everything in my field of vision was still unclear.I can see the daylight surrounding me, and I can also distinguish the scattered branches and leaves of the big tree above me, shaking gently in the breeze.But I couldn't see my caregiver, or any human figure.

I inhale deeply, letting the cool, crisp air enter my body, and I enjoy this moment of freshness especially when I think of the stale air that has enveloped me in the past few days. The clasped hands tilted in front of me, and more cool water fell on my lips and cheeks, and trickled down my neck.I felt energized as the water slowly trickled down my parched, parched throat. A hand rested on my head and made me bend down, and although I couldn't turn my neck to see, I could smell the grass where I lay.I saw a vague figure above leave.I wanted to yell, but it was too much for me, so I just accepted it and lay still, because every movement made my body ache.I desperately want to know how my brother is doing, but all I can do right now is pray that Nikolai will be saved with me.My eyelids felt heavy, tiredness hit me, and I fell into lethargy again.

When I opened my eyes again, it was already dusk, and my body was still in pain. After a few seconds, I fell asleep again, and vaguely knew that there was a fire burning nearby.Those tongues of fire seemed to lick into my dreams, burning me for hours. When I finally woke up, I felt the pain in my body lessen. I slowly opened my eyes and saw that the night was getting thicker. The only light now comes from the bonfire, the holy flame dancing to the silent rhythm of the night wind.My body was still stiff and it was difficult to turn sideways. Xu Shi noticed my movement, and an indistinct figure came to my side again, bending down to me who was lying on the ground.The figure came close to me, like a little eagle hovering above, although I had expelled all kinds of fantasies from my mind.

I gradually saw his face, first the eyes, then the rest, his outline flickering in and out of the flickering firelight.Little fingers reached out to me, touching my face, and my eyes were moist.Despite the pain, my lips parted into a grin, and I reached up and took my fingers against my face. I felt Nicholas' little hand in my palm, and the emotions that had been closed all the time were vented out of strong gratitude and joy, and tears burst into tears instantly. I raised my other arm and hugged my brother tightly, holding him in my arms.Tears of pain and joy wet my cheeks, but I held my brother tighter, determined never to let him go again.How much I wanted to caress the sores on his lips, comfort him, and touch his thin cheeks, but I couldn't relax my hug to him, for fear that he would disappear suddenly, for fear that this was just my illusion.

"Anka, why are you crying?" Nikolay's voice was as sweet as honey, his questions were so innocent, and for a moment all I could do was try to smile at him through my tears.I want to kiss his cheek, but the sore lips make me wince.When the tears gradually subsided, I tried to speak again, but I still couldn't speak, so I had to give up.At least my younger brother is safe and sound, knowing this makes me feel much more at ease. As for the mother... Haim and Golda, that lovely boy Ilo... and so many innocent people who have been with us... I have no way of knowing.But there must be other survivors besides us, and that is the only consoling thought now.

A stranger came over and gently lifted Nicholas, as if telling him that I need to rest alone.Knowing that Nikolai had someone reliable to look after him, I acquiesced in letting him be taken away, determined to let myself sleep well, and maybe I would have the strength to get up when I woke up again.