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The tide was high. Some sections of the riverbank were well exposed, while other parts remained underwater. And when Vicky and the others were able to keep moving forward, the glue-like mud sucked their boots down, not wanting to let go. Finally, the sun was beginning to make its presence known. Vicky willed it to stay low a little longer still. The thought of dawn finally arriving made her feel exposed. It made her feel like time was running out.
The dead were everywhere, even down here where they struggled with the conditions as much as the living. Already unsteady, any wash of water swept them out of the way and out of existence. And those that showed a little more persistence frequently became bogged down in the glutenous mud. They were left stranded, sinking knee deep, only able
