Sequence 34: Mourning and Despair

Setting: In the deepest days of grief and sorrow, John and Ni sit beside Arad's grave.

Image 1: John, with his head in his hands, struggles to overcome his anger and fear.

* Ni: (softly and gently) "John, I'm here for you. We'll get through this pain together."

Image 2: But John, in that moment, cannot respond to Ni. He is engulfed in his grief, unable to face the reality.

Action: John carefully lifts Arad's body onto his shoulders, trying to leave the area without succumbing to negative emotions. Yet, inside, a storm of feelings rages—anger, despair, and sorrow for losing a comrade and leader.

Ni, always by his side, watches him, stunned and bewildered by what has just happened. She doesn’t know how to console John, as she herself is deeply affected by the tragedy. John, a person who had always stood tall in the toughest situations, now finds himself unable to bear this pain. The grief of losing Arad has left him profoundly vulnerable.

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Meanwhile, Sara, still in shock over her actions, feels guilt and regret. In a moment of anger, she not only lost Arad but also broke John's heart. However, her regret cannot change anything now. John and Ni can only focus on mourning Arad's loss.

When John and Ni reach a secluded spot, far from their enemies' sight, they lay Arad's body on the ground. Ni, unable to control herself any longer, approaches John and tries to embrace him. But John pulls away from the embrace. He doesn’t want to show his emotions, knowing that he must remain strong in this moment.

He knows there is no time for mourning; many dangers still lie ahead. Yet, in his heart, he prays never to experience such a loss again. The trees of the forest around them seem to bow to the sky, mourning alongside them.

At dawn the next day, John and Ni stand beside Arad's resting place. With utmost respect and love, John places a stone on Arad's grave and looks at Ni. Ni, with tearful eyes, says to John:

* Ni: "We must carry on for him. He wouldn’t want us to stop."

Sequence 35: A Life in Solitude

Setting: John, in the heart of the desert, finds himself in a vast, dry expanse. His clothes are disheveled, his face weary and sorrowful. The blazing sun bears down on him as fierce, warm winds scatter the dust around.

Image 1: John sits on the ground with his hands resting beside him, gazing into the distant horizon. His necklace, holding a photograph of Arad, glimmers faintly on his chest. He frequently reminisces about Arad, feeling that the void left behind is one he can never fill.

* John: (in a soft voice) "Arad... Is this the life you wanted for me? I still think of you."