The voices were getting closer. George picked up the gun and listened to the voices.

"Let's do it now. Let's get the land right now," Lennie pleaded.

"Sure, right now. I'll do it right now. We'll do it right now." George raised the gun, held it straight, and aimed the barrel at the back of Lennie's neck. His hand was trembling, but his expression was determined, and he shook himself and steadied his hand. He pulled the trigger. The gunshot rose to the mountains, then echoed down below. Lennie shook, then fell slowly forward onto the sand, where he lay motionless.

George shivered and looked at the gun in his hand, then threw it toward the ash heap on the river bank.