He cried out and when it became unbearable to watch, Johannes went to put the mask back on Giorgi’s face. Giorgi pushed the mask away and ceased coughing suddenly. His eyes were steady. He fell to his knees and examined the dirt with wide, shining eyes. He plunged his fingers into the dirt and burst out laughing. He looked up to the stars. “Oh. . .” he said. “Giorgi. . .” Johannes whispered. Giorgi examined his withered old hands. He began to cry. “I have,” he whispered. “What do you have?” Johannes whispered back. “I have been. . .”
