Now it feels like water is the only thing I’ve ever wanted. It isn’t only thirst. We haven’t washed since we started out. A film of dirt, dust, and sweat coat me like a light covering of hair. My feet are caked with dirt. My teeth feel like apricot skin. It’s strange that we don’t even have to go to the bathroom anymore. I tried not to think of water as I hoisted my pack and bedroll on my back. I saw a family walking past us in the same direction. I caught a girl’s eyes, a few years younger than me, hair and clothing rumpled and dirty. She looked like a small, frightened animal, weighed down
...more
