Summary: As they walk toward certain death, Rumi, Zoey and Mira wonder why they wanted to participate in the Long Walk.
The Walkers walk, their steps following the rhythm, the soldiers following them in their big, armored vehicles. Among the contestants are Rumi, Mira and Zoey. The three young women attended the same school but weren’t friends and for Rumi it must be fate that has brought them together on this road.
“Hey,” she asks the other young women. “Why?”
“Why what, stupid?” Mira retorts sharply.
“Don't be mean!” Zoey retorts.
“Why would you want to participate in that?”
While speaking, Rumi points to a Walker’s fresh body killed by soldiers because he had his Ticket after his three warnings. The soldiers drag him away and Rumi loses sight of him.
“Excellent question,” said Zoey.
“Yeah, not bad,” said Mira.
“So?” asked Rumi. “Why?”
“I'm not sure,” Zoey admits. “I guess I wanted to feel appreciated, loved, useful. Not be caught between two different lives.”
“That's right,” said Rumi. “You're half American half Korean, if I remember correctly.”
“Absolutely,” said Zoey. “I was tired of being pushed in one direction or another. ‘Be more American!’ said one side. ‘Be more Korean!’ said another. It made me sick.”
“Well, are you feeling tired now?” Mira asks mockingly.
“Very funny,” Zoey retorts. “Of course I'm tired. We all are. But I can't stop. Nobody can.”
Rumi remains silent. Even Mira says nothing mocking then she begins to speak.
“For me, it's pretty simple. I wanted to give my damn family the ultimate middle finger and going on the Long Walk was the best way to do it.”
“Oh,” Rumi replies sadly, thinking back to her mother’s death and to Celine, her adoptive mother, on the day the Squad took her away because she spoke out against the government, against the Long Walk.
“That's sad,” said Zoey. “You and your family...”
“Duh, my family is worthless,” Mira says coldly. “My father and mother always called me every name in the book. They said I was too wild, that my life was worthless. Well, they’ll see once I win the Prize!”
A silence hangs between the three female Walkers then Zoey asks Rumi why she’s participating in the Long Walk.
“Like you, Zoey, I wasn't sure. I don't even know what to ask for as the Prize if I win. I don't have any mothers left, I never knew my father. No one is waiting for me at the finish line.”
While speaking, Rumi makes sure her arms are well covered by clothing. No one must see Them. Her mysterious Patterns. Neither Celine nor her biological mother has told her where They come from.
“Despite everything, here I am, doing the Long Walk. I guess I’m participating to prove something but I don’t know what.”
“How boring!” Mira retorts, becoming sarcastic again.
“Mira, stop being ridiculous!” Zoey retorts.
“Do you realize, at least, that we are all walking toward death?”
“Mira!” Zoey said again, wanting her to shut up.
“That's true,” said Mira. “We are the walking dead.”
A gunshot rings out. Another Walker has been given his Ticket.
“We are all walking toward certain death,” Mira continues. “The Long Walk has always had only one winner. ONE!”
“Enough!” said Rumi. “Just keep walking.”
This silences Mira. Rumi hears Zoey sobbing. Rumi holds back her own tears. Yet she knows Mira is right. Even if the three young women remain united, becoming friends, the Long Walk will force them apart. There can only be one winner. Forever.