CHAPTER 13: "Rain"
When Felipe opened his eyes the next morning, the orange sun hung suspended just over the horizon. Wisps of clouds made feathery streaks in the sky.
The memory of his dream still haunted him. If only his mother had survived! If only she were with him now, taking care of him and looking for someone to help them both.
Slowly, he rose to his feet. For a long moment, he just stood there, scanning the desert and sucking his index finger. No human being appeared on the horizon. No food, no water source lay anywhere in sight.
Where am I gonna find any water? he wondered.
Sighing, he went on his way. He just had to have some water, and soon!
Hours passed. Felipe wandered this way and that. As he did, he wondered how much longer he'd be able to go on without food or water.
His body felt heavy. He couldn't muster the energy to walk as fast as he had done the last two days. His mouth felt so dry he couldn't gather any saliva to spit. Frequently, a dizzy, light-headed sensation would sweep over him, making him feel faint. His feet hurt incessantly.
I'm so thirsty! he thought. I want somethin' to drink! I don't feel good.
As afternoon set in, Felipe stopped to wipe the sweat off his face and to get his bearings. As he scanned the desert surrounding him, he saw a towering pile of storm clouds to the southwest. He stared at them hopefully. Did that mean--?
Please, God, Felipe prayed, silently, make it rain! Please, please, please! Por favor! He made the sign of the cross.
With renewed energy, he strode in the direction of those clouds. Slowly, they approached him, till they floated directly overhead.
A cold drop of water splashed on Felipe's nose. He stopped to wait for the next splash. It was not long in coming. It landed on his hand.
Please, God, he prayed, don't let it stop!
A moment later, a steady rain pounded his head. Felipe leaned his head back and opened his mouth wide. For a long time, he just stood there, letting the rain trickle down his tongue. It tasted so good!
When he was tired of standing still, he walked onward, stopping frequently to drink some more. Gradually, he managed to quench his thirst. All the while, the rain drenched Felipe and soaked his clothes through.
Gradually, his body felt heavier and heavier. It took more and more energy just to put one foot in front of the other. At last, he was too weak and exhausted to take another step. He trudged wearily toward a nearby tree and plopped underneath. To his horror, several dead soldiers lay scattered in front of it.
Moaning silently, Felipe raised his knees and took a deep breath. He rested his head on his knees. Was he going to die, too? Would his body lie there with theirs?
I'm scared! I want my mamá! he thought. Why'd she have to die?! With a sigh, Felipe raised his head to drink some more rain. Minutes passed as the cold raindrops trickled down his throat.
The rainshower ended at sunset. The clouds cleared out. A few minutes later, the sun dipped below the horizon.
Felipe shook his head violently; a shower of raindrops flew out every which way, spattering on his arms and legs. He grabbed his rosary and shook the water off it. As the sky darkened and the stars came out, he sat there and prayed. When he had finished, he just sat there, thinking and sucking his index finger. He felt weak and light-headed. He was no longer thirsty, but his stomach still ached intermittently from incessant hunger. How he missed his kind, gentle mother and his good godfather!
"Remember, son, God loves you, and He will take care of you. Remember that!" His mother's words replayed in his head.
It's been three days, now, he thought. How much longer? Am I gonna die here?
Wearily, he lay curled on his side, wrapped his arms around his chest, and closed his eyes. Silently, he prayed that God would protect him while he slept and keep him from having any more nightmares. Even as he did, he feared that the second request would go unanswered. His fears proved to be correct. For the third night in a row, he had a dream that terrified him. This time, while his parents pushed the cart, a soldier stopped in front of them and aimed his rifle straight at Felipe.
"No!" he screamed. "Por favor, don't shoot me!"
Bang!
Felipe shot up, screaming soundlessly. Again, the full horror of his plight exploded on him, and he lay there, crying. Gradually, as he lay weeping, he fell asleep again.
END OF CHAPTER 13