SIERRA POV
The bus disappeared down the road in a cloud of dust, leaving Nila and me standing alone on the side of what felt like nowhere. I adjusted the strap of the backpack on my shoulders and glanced around. Fields stretched for miles in every direction. The late afternoon sun cast a golden glow across the rolling landscape while distant mountains loomed on the horizon.
Nila immediately pulled a folded map from her jacket pocket. I watched as she unfolded it. Then turned it. Then turned it again. Then frowned. "You know how to read that thing, right?" I asked. Nila scoffed. "I do."
She turned it upside down. I raised an eyebrow. "That doesn't exactly inspire confidence.” I said. Nila shot me an annoyed look. "I know where we are.” "Uh huh.” I muttered. "I do.” She said adamantly.
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