For several long minutes, the summit with the effigy remained completely silent.
The only sounds that could be heard were the faint crunches of fresh vegetables being chewed. Every prisoner held their carrot with extraordinary care. Some took tiny bites, chewing each mouthful for as long as possible before swallowing.
Others closed their eyes while eating, allowing themselves to savor a taste they had long forgotten. A few simply sat motionless with tears streaming down their faces as they slowly consumed every last piece.
No one wasted even the smallest fragment and even the green shoots attached to the top disappeared into their mouths. By the time they had finished, there wasn't a single piece left behind.
Several prisoners even licked their fingers clean before lowering their hands.
