Chapter Sixteen: The MountainsThe glare of the sun bounced off the scorched, white earth, hurting his eyes, making him blink repeatedly. He quickened his pace, jaw set, the sharp incline and loose scree forced him to concentrate on every footfall lest he slip, turn an ankle or worse. His mouth gaped open, the stale, fetid air thick with the pulsating heat sapped his strength, but not his determination.
Earlier, his mother pleaded with him not to go, but he was adamant. “I have no choice.” He held up the letter. “This proves as much.”
“But you told me your father warned you to stay away.”
Luis averted his eyes, thinking of a way out. Lies came easily it seemed to him, but this time he had no need to resort to fiction. “Yes, yes he did. But he also told me to keep you safe.”
“Tell me eve
