*Norah*
I run my swollen tongue over my cracked lips, feeling the merciless sun beating down with a vengeance. Grateful for the shade provided by River's hat, we plod along over the unforgiving terrain. I've lost track of the number of days and nights we've been together. All my effort goes into staying in the saddle when all I want is to lie down on the ground and sleep until I'm an old woman.
River shoves the canteen into my hands. "Drink. Once. Hold the water in your mouth for a while before swallowing," he orders in a voice that sounds like sand brushed over rocks.
I welcome the drops of moisture coating my tongue, knowing I can't afford to waste any on my lips. I hand the canteen back to him, hearing the sound of him putting it away. I swallow and say, "I didn't hear you drink."
"
