I LOWER KUDIYA TO the ground and prop his back against the rock wall. The water laps at his chest. His lips are parched. We’re in a well, and he’s thirsty, and I’ve failed to notice. I cup my hands and bring water to his mouth. He’s unable to drink, but I moisten his lips.
Climbing is possible only without him. If I leave him, I won’t become a champion. He’ll die and Kezi will die.
Above is a coin of blue sky. Perhaps someone has noticed Kudiya’s absence and has returned from the brother village. I cry out for help. No one comes.
The rock wall is pulsing again. No, it’s not.
I’m certain the well is smaller than it was when I landed here. It will shrink and shrink until I am plastered against Kudiya, crushing the last life out of him.
He cries, “Mati!” and tries to stand. “Mati!”
He’s delirious. I ask him anyway, because I am half delirious myself, “Kudiya, is the well closing in on us?”
Eyes wide, he looks around. He pants, “Yes.”
He thinks so too!
“Mati!” he shouts.
I pace the diameter of the well, toe to heel in the water. Five feet. I pace again to be sure I counted right. The water swirls around me.
Four feet.
I pace again.
Five feet.
Four feet.
Three feet!
Five feet.
I can’t stop counting.
Five feet.
Four feet.
The well is playing with me.
Five feet.
Four feet.
I need to know if the well is shrinking. It’s the fact I need most.
Five feet.
My ears are drumming.
Four feet.