They sound far off but Ramon knows how the jungle, creeping right up to the road on both sides of the village, can muffle sounds. Accustomed to the occasional shriek from the rainforest, he listens intently. The cries aren’t coming from any animal that he knows. It also doesn’t sound as if it is coming from a single source. Instead, it sounds like there are many different screeches. And, they are drawing closer.

He’s usually hesitant about getting involved in the happenings of others, especially with the coming of the guerillas to the compound up the road, farther into the mountains, and having watched his friend get beheaded. As far as he’s concerned, hiding and pretending not to see things is a way to a longer life. However, with the multitude of screams drawing nearer, curiosity gets the better of him. The meager light behind doesn’t allow him to see into the darkness, so he drops the curtain and walks to the door.

Opening it, he steps outside. The air is completely still and it takes a moment for his eyes to adjust to the darkness. Lights show from several other houses, their dim glows peeking from around curtains. Slowly, he is able to make out objects in the darkness and sees that several others have emerged, also drawn out by the rising shrieks.

From one side, Ramon sees the darker outlines of six figures enter the road and begin running through the middle of the village. The shrieks escalate through the night air. At first, he thinks the screaming is coming from the six running for all they are worth along the muddy road. However, the screams are coming from father up the road and it becomes apparent that these dark outlines are running from them.

As the six draw closer, he notes the weapons they are toting. He knows what may be causing the disturbance. The Americans must have landed a group to observe the compound and were discovered. The screams are from the guerillas chasing them, although he can’t figure out why the pursuers are yelling like they are.

Perhaps they want to scare the Americans.

He chuckles to himself as he watches the figures race through the village.

Stupid Americans. They think they can operate with impunity. Well, they’re finding out now that they aren’t invulnerable.

Although, watching them flee through the night, he does feel a little sorry for them. They’re far into the mountains with little chance to escape. The chances are high that they’ll be caught and tortured. Ramon has never agreed with that form of coercion. He just wants to stay away from any of the conflicts and continue with his simple existence.

Other villagers emerge to stand in front of their doors. The six continue their flight, their boots splashing as they streak down the muddy surface of the road. As they draw abeam of him, Ramon hears their panting breaths. One of the men looks in his direction and, even in the dark, they lock eyes for the briefest of moments. Fear is evident from the other in that fleeting look. There is something else though…pity? It’s almost a look of apology.

The moment passes, as do the running Americans. They race past the village limits and farther down the road.