Crossing the Wire

Walking in the heat with their heavy packs is hard, and Victor worries that he will run out of water. They walk day and night, keeping an eye out for the Border Patrol. Victor, angry with Rico, ignores his friend’s attempts at small talk.

During the day, it is so hot that people begin to get dizzy and fall. Victor pretends that he is home in Los Árboles with his family and imagines conversations where he tells Rico off. Rico collapses due to the heat, and struggles to get back up. Victor hesitates, and then finally helps him. Both boys admit they are not doing so well.

The group takes a break. Victor seeks the shade of an overhanging boulder, and as he is about to rest, a snake strikes and bites him.

The mules and Jarra predict that Victor will die from his snakebite; miraculously, Victor’s leg is fine. He attributes his luck to Our Lady of Guadalupe, who looks after the poor and unfortunate, and is sure his mother has been lighting candles in the church for him back home.

The group breaks for another siesta to escape the heat. From one of the other mules, Rico learns that Jarra and the group leader Morales plan to kill Victor and Rico when their trip is over.