Chapter 2: SurvivalThe Marine had spoken the word in a hoarse voice, and afterwards, from the way he was moving his mouth around, it struck me that his mouth must be very dry.
I was considering the point, and even got to my feet, looking in both directions down the beach for signs of a stream outlet, when he spoke again.
“Water?” I asked, having been unable to make out the word.
He nodded.
“You’re thirsty?” I asked him. He nodded again. I moved my tongue in my mouth, realizing that I was thirsty too.
“I’ll see what I can do.” It was still raining, I noticed. I held my hand, palm up, cupped, and watched drops land in it. I had the glimmering of an idea. “Maybe open your mouth?”
Seemed to consider this, then did as I suggested. I saw a few raindrops hit his lips, and several others fal
