It was nearing sunset by the time they were ready to lay Jahmin down. They chose a bank of ferns, the leafy shadows casting long, lacy patterns across his skin. The sound of the nearby river was comforting. Devin tucked Mandy’s pink cardigan around him, and Eva knelt down to kiss his cold cheek. Rocky said a short karakia, his voice breaking as he knuckled away hot tears.
The few surviving guards brought rocks from the river to cover him. Most of them were in shock, nursing injuries, bewildered and frightened. But there were a few who watched the teens closely, curious and calculating.
‘I don’t trust them,’ Rocky said in a low voice as they laid the rocks in place.
‘When we get a chance, we’ll go,’ Devin murmured. ‘We can make it out by ourselves. We don’t need them.’
‘I feel bad about leaving,’ Eva whispered. She laid a hand on the rocks. ‘But we’ll be back. We’ll come and get you and take you home. Promise.’
‘Whatever happens, we stay strong and stick together. Okay?’ said Devin. She held out one hand to Rocky and the other to Eva, aware as never before that it was these three who, among all this death, had brought her to life. ‘We love you,’ she told Jahmin. ‘Always.’
They moved off, following the guards into the bush. Their footsteps faded into the trees, and soon, Jahmin was alone.
Apart from a single fantail overhead, dancing and diving in the breeze.
