Part 173: Day's End, Night's Begin

Sayid stared at Shannon in the darkness of the nighttime beach. She sat alone, covered by a blanket next to a warm fire. He could plainly see she would never forgive him for stopping her. Had he really grown to love her these past few days or was it a need to reach out to someone? Was the lonliness really too much to bare? Sayid knew he would have plenty of time to think about it. Kate then appeared before him and sat down next to him. The brunette could see the anguish in his eyes. “She just needs time.” Kate whispered,” She's been through a lot.”

“Time won't make a difference. Perhaps I made a mistake.” Sayid sighed.

“You couldn't let her kill Locke. You had no choice.”

“There is always a choice.”

Kate then looked up. Sayid wondered what she looking at, so he turned around. Mandy had accidentally stumbled onto their conversation. The two friends could tell by the look in her eyes that she had no idea what Shannon had attempted. The blonde gently pat Sayid on the shoulder and walked over to her new friend. The tall blonde just stared at the fire as the embers drifted up into the night sky. Mandy gently sat down on the sand near her, crossing her legs. Shannon didn’t have to ask why she was there; she already knew. “I wanted justice for Boone . . . . and you.” She whispered.

“I know,” Mandy said.

“He should die for what he has done to us.”

“I know that too, but . .Shannon, “ the young blonde sniffed, “It was an accident. I blame Locke for taking him out there. But I also had to realize . . . .killing him would not have brought Boone back.”

Shannon closed her eyes, trying not to cry.

“And the justice .. . the satisfaction . ..it wouldn’t have lasted long.”

Shannon tilted her head and contorted his face like she was beginning to cry. Mandy got up and scooted next to her, taking her in her arms. The tall blonde held onto her friend, as she wept silently. The blonde stroked her hair, trying to offer some comfort to her pain. “I didn’t even get the chance to say goodbye.” She whimpered.

“I know, honey. I know,” Mandy said, softly.

Shannon then broke off from her and looked at her. “Did . . .did he say anything about me before he died?” she asked.

Mandy stared at her. A gentle tear ran down her tanned cheek, stopping at her chin. “He said . . . .he said he loved you like a sister and hoped you would one day become the person he wanted you to become.” Mandy whispered.

“He . .he . . .he . .loved me?” Shannon cried, “I prayed he . .he didn’t hate me.”

“He never hated you, Shannon. You were always in his heart.”

“Thank you,” she cried, “Thank you.”

Mandy held onto her for a little while longer. Shannon wept, finally letting go of her grief. She had held it in too long and it nearly resulted in her becoming a murderer. Mandy never imagined herself teaching her friend such a deep meaning of life. But it’s amazing how much things changed in the past few days.

She had to grow up faster than normal.


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Locke sat by himself outside the caves. He pinched the bridge of his nose, trying to make his headache go away. It was a side effect of the head wound he received. He didn’t hold any malice toward Shannon; it was natural for her to feel the way she did. However, he figured he would stay out of her way for the next few weeks, until she got over her pain. The old man sighed, and picked up his plastic child’s sand pale that he used to make his salve. He needed to coat some of it on his wound so it wouldn’t get infected. As he began to stir it’s mix, he heard a rustling in the leaves before him.

Mia slowly appeared from the shadows with Tony in tow, holding his hand. She looked at her older companion, who just smiled at her presence. “Locke, I brought Tony to help you.” She said.

“Mia told me you were injured, Mr. Locke.” Tony whispered.

“Yes, I was but I am better now,” the old man said, “Sorry about that. Mia made a mistake. I didn’t want to waste your time.”

“Well, since I am here now, may I examine you?” the blind doctor smiled, “This wouldn’t be the first time I treated bullet wounds.”

“You were a soldier too?”

“Long time ago.” Mia guided Tony over to Locke.

The doctor then felt of the man’s bald head, and examined his wound. It was a scrape, but nothing too severe. “We get this bandaged and you’ll be fine.” He mentioned.

“I have to put some salve on it, so it will heal with no infections.” Locke said.

“You have salve?”

“Yes, I made it.”

“Made it?” Tony was impressed, “Made it from what?”

“Rendered animal fat, salt water and a few herbs I found.”

“Highly impressed, Mr. Locke. Perhaps you and I should discuss shop on whatever home remedies you can come up for us later.”

“I’d like that.” Locke smiled.

Before Tony could say anything, the wind blew in his face. He then lifted up his head and took a whiff into the air. “Sayid is here.” He whispered.

“You smelled him, Tony?” Mia giggled.

“I’m not saying he stinks,” the blind doctor chuckled, “Everybody has a unique smell.”

The Middle Easterner came into the area where the three people were resting. Sayid smiled, glad to have Tony nearby on this conversation. Locke looked at him and then proceeded to coat the salve onto his wounded area. “How is your head?” the Iraqi asked.

“It’ll heal,” the old man sighed, “All wounds heal in time.”

“Perhaps.” He agreed.

Locke put the bucket down and looked at the man in all seriousness. “I know what it cost you to do what you did. Thank you.” The old man whispered.

“You know about this, Tony.” Sayid asked him.

“Mia filled me in.” he answered.

The Iraqi turned back to Locke, “I did it because I sense you might be our best hope of surviving here. But I don't forgive what you did. And I certainly don't trust you.”

“I’ll do what I have to earn your trust and the trust of the others.”

“Good. Then tomorrow . . .you will take me to the Hatch.” Sayid said.

Locke blinked, looking at him. “Hatch? But Sayid, I already showed you-“

“John,” the Middle Easterner interrupted him, “No more lies.”

“Sayid can be trusted, Locke,” Mia told him, “You should take him.”

Locke looked at her, then shook his head. “Very well. I will take you tomorrow, “ he looked Sayid,” And when you see it, you will know why I kept it quiet.”

“As you wish, John but I will reserve that conclusion for myself,” Sayid then looked around, “I have one more request.”

“And that is?”

“We take Tony along as well.”

Locke looked to the blind man and from the way he moved his face, Tony didn’t have any idea what Sayid was going to suggest it. He could also tell he wasn’t opposed to the idea, considering he had already known Mia was into something interesting. “Why bring Tony along?” Locke asked.

“For his clarity of thought,” he smiled, “I trust his judgment.”

“Thank you, Sayid. I hope I don’t disappoint anyone.”

“You haven’t yet, Tony and I suspect you never will,”

“Then you two better get some sleep. Tomorrow will be along day.” Locke told them.

Sayid did a courtesy bow and turned around to walk away. The blind doctor waited for the Lakota girl to take his hand and lead him back to the beach. She waved at Locke as she said goodbye for the night. The old man waved back. He knew Tony could be trusted; otherwise Mia would have objected to him coming along.

Suddenly, Locke felt like a kid will a new toy and he was about to show it off to the others.