Zen's War: Captivity

Zen and Aurora lay side by side in their two sleeping bags inside their tent. At first they did not speak at all. Both of their minds were overwhelmed by the events of the last 24 hours. They both tried to quiet their minds, but unfortunately were not having much success.

Zen thought that by now he would be used to death and pain. Regardless of how he thought he should have felt it did not change how he actually did feel. Pablo’s death had been so pointless. Life seemed to have no value anymore. There was also the hopelessness he felt in regards to their search for Sahara. Maybe he was just stubborn, but somewhere deep down inside he believed that Sahara was still alive.

“Sometimes, I think that we should just give up this futile search for Sahara. How many more innocent people have to be sacrificed, in order to find her?” Aurora said, completely coming out of left field. Aurora’s sudden comment was so out of character for her.

Zen turned on his side so he could see Aurora. “You’re giving up. You’re the one that’s always telling me to not give into despair,” he responded.

“I know, I know. I want to believe as much as you do, that Sahara is still alive. Sooner or later we may just have to accept that she’s gone,” she answered, solemnly.

Life is a war, each day a battle that must be won. Is it simply the fear of death, or something more? My war is not a war fought out of a thirst for power or glory, it is a war fought for good. Everyone has the right to live without fear of others hatred or persecution. I will continue to fight my war. It is a war not just of the body, but also of the mind.

As long as I have a feeling in my heart that Sahara is still alive, I will not surrender to the enemy of doubt. This day’s battle is over, but tomorrow’s battle has just begun.