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Wells
by afrai

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"The desert is beautiful," said Lawrence.

A flash of dark eyes. Ali had learnt to disagree elegantly, expressing his doubt with a look, a word. His passion he saved for when they were alone.

"Trees are beautiful. Water is beautiful. The desert is barren."

"Deserts hide wells," said Lawrence. He watched the shift of muscles in Ali's face, marvelling that he understood its meaning.

"Men kill for the wells," said Ali.

"Even so," said Lawrence, and he touched Ali's jaw. "The water is still as sweet."

But Ali's eyes were troubled, and the shadow in his face did not lift.

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