The arrival of a second natural enemy, entirely unforeseen, made the atmosphere in the camp grow even more solemn. Throughout the silent meal, no one spoke.
And after they had finished eating, no one left.
They remained seated in their chairs, waiting quietly.
Luciya, who had hosted the lunch, said nothing either. After calmly serving tea and fruit to everyone present, she sat down as well.
In the unbearable silence, only the general leaned back in his chair, lowered his head without a care, pulled an aluminum tube from his pocket, expertly bit off the other end of the cigar, then tilted his head and lit it with a lighter.
Beside his daughter, Chu Hai raised his eyes and glanced over.
The cigar, its tip just beginning to glow red, silently went out.
The general frowned and tried again.
But this time, no matter what he did, it would not light. When he lowered the lighter and looked over with a frown, all he saw was the traveler holding a cup of water, looking utterly innocent.
"There are children here. Adults should set an example," Chu Hai said. "At least for America, right?"
"Heh, America? I stopped representing America long ago. I can't even represent myself."
The general raised his shackled hands, looked at the extinguished cigar between his fingers, then bit off a piece and chewed the pungent tobacco leaves, sneering as he shook his head.
"Now it seems the only purpose of education is to serve as a cautionary tale."
"Honestly, this is the first time I've discussed educational issues with someone in hell."
Smiling, Chu Hai glanced toward a spot in the middle of the long table and suddenly asked, "You've been waiting so long, surely you're not just going to watch?
"Any teaching insights you'd like