Falling With Grace

He justwas.

I turned down the path, leading the group toward a ridge that overlooked the Rio Grande, and let each person pass me as I held up the rear.

I wouldn’t leave anyone behind.

Viola linked hands with Duarte, and Isabella mirrored Viola on his opposite side, creating a flesh train up the untraveled path.

I licked my chapped lips, my teeth crunching on the gritty sand.

My hand clenched tight around the near-empty plastic water bottle Jorge and Duarte were able to steal off the back of a parked truck in town.

I’d forced myself to take small sips until we reached the Rio Grande, where I’d fill it up before entering America.

Not even fears of Giardia or any other unknown water-borne disease would deter me from drinking it.

Monica pointed up ahead and squealed. “Mira.”

Carly stood on her toes, her hand interlaced with Rachel’s. “What do you see?”

“The peak.” Maria spun on her feet as she turned back at us. “We’ve made it.”

Not yet, but we were close.

The inky black sky sparkled with stars as we halted on the short rocky cliff, my muscles screaming with elation as the group’s exhausted moans erupted behind me.

I glanced down at the loose, rocky hillside and marveled at the green valley below with the wide, swift river running between.

For three unyielding days, we’d pushed our bodies to the limits, hiking through unforgiving terrain that rooted against us, hiding from anyone we might encounter.

No one was safe.

Everyone was a threat.

I turned back to the group. “We’ll cross the river tomorrow.” Groans erupted. “We need to rest before we attempt to cross it. Rachel and Isabella can’t swim—”

Maria tossed her hands into the air, her steps shuffling closer to the animal path leading down the hillside. “Then those that can swim can cross tonight.”

I shook my head, my legs aching, my feet unable to move another step. “And leave those who can’t behind?” My cheeks puffed out. “Have you learned nothing?”

“We can have a few stay behind to help them cross.”

“No. We stick together.” My teeth clenched tight as I leaned against a large boulder wedged between two towering trees on the cliff’s edge. “The river may look slow running, but its current is swift, and it will drag you under.” My fist clenched at my side. “We’ll need our strength if we’re going to cross safely. Including you.”

Maria rolled her eyes, her teenage attitude shining through. “How do you know? Have you crossed it before?”

“She’s right.” Jorge stepped up beside me.

“Of course you’d take her side.” Maria rolled her eyes as Duarte and Viola walked behind her.

Jorge scored his lower lip between his teeth, his clothes threadbare as he wagged his finger between me and himself. “We didn’t go through the trouble of breaking all of you out of your cages just to watch you drown in the river.” He sighed and pinched his brow with dirty fingers. “Grace has a point. We’re all exhausted. Maybe it’s best if we wait it out for now.”

“No.” Maria shook her head. “I can handle my own.”

“My sister and I can do it too.” Carly grabbed Rachel’s shoulders. “I want to get out of this fucking country.”

Isabella stepped forward, her chestnut-colored hair matted at her shoulder. “All thecoyotestravel under the cover of darkness.”

“Listen,” Jorge said, “We’ve gotten you this far—”