Through this whole ordeal, you've learned something powerful: the cramped room, the icy water, and the beatings are nothing. There is no pain that comes from those that can even begin to rival the knife in the back from the man who was like a brother to you. The guilt on his face doesn't matter. He didn't try to stop it; he just let it happen. You would have taken the beating for him. You would have protected him. You would have done anything to save him. Your heart is pounding, but this time it's not because you're afraid.

A laugh snaps you out of your thoughts. He's there, your enemy, standing alone in front of the door. He walks toward you, pulling out the chair and sitting down in one fluid movement.

For a moment, he does nothing but look at you. Then: "It hurts, doesn't it? Not the physical wounds, but the selfishness. Choosing himself over you."

You're silent. Saying nothing, thinking nothing, trying to feel nothing. Failing.

"Tal Afar," he says. "Tell me."

"No."

"Tell me."

"No."

"You're protecting them. Why? They've hardly done the same for you."

"I wouldn't expect you to understand. You have no honor." The words are meant to be passionate, insolent- your voice is as dull as lead.

"Honor has no place in war. Do you really think that your own leaders are any better than me? They've abandoned you to us. No one's looking for you. At least I would try to rescue my men."

"You're lying."

"These walls aren't soundproof. Have you heard anyone apart from my men and your comrades?"

"They're looking for us."

"Then they would have found you already."

Everything he's saying is true. You know it, you just don't want to believe it. But there have been no rescue attempts. No one has come for you. There's only you, your agony, and the man across from you.

"No one's looking for you," he says, almost gently, "and no one cares. One of the people you rely on to safeguard your life watched you bleed just to spare himself. The others told me about the operation for the same reason. They all betrayed you. At this point, only I can make your pain end."

Tears sting the backs of your eyes. A sob rises in your chest. And you tell him everything.

----------------------------------------------------------------------------------

"It's time," says your enemy. "Any last requests?"

You swallow hard, but your voice is even as you say, "I'd like to see the sky."

He nods and tells his men to release you. You stand and are escorted outside. The sky is dark and there's a lump in your throat as you look up at the stars. You'll never see the sun again, but something about the calm of the night helps put you at ease. You kneel in the sand, close your eyes, and pray. When you're done, you rise.

Your enemy sets his hand on your shoulder. "On behalf of the United States, thank you for the truth."

And that's it. Story completed. Hope you all enjoyed reading it, because even though the idea of sharing it with my teacher was terrifying, I enjoyed writing it. Again, I would love feedback and comments on how to improve this story or my writing, and thank you so much if you read my story. I really appreciate that.