You almost missed the first person you met in El Jajo. It was this old woman who had just got out of her ancient house. Excuse me. You walked to her and she turned around to stare at you for a long moment. Her gaze like a blade skimmed across your skin. I was asking, Ma'am, if you know where I can get my car fixed? And she stared some more, as if she was witnessing a hideous crime she couldn't quite believe. I could hear you, young lady. She said with voice worn thin and high over the years. But she must have seen something she liked, because then she said: Joe's garage is right around the corner on Main Street. You know what? I'm going that way, too. You thanked her although you do not consider yourself a young lady anymore. That was the only conversation you had. Walking by the highway, conversations kept bubbling up your throat, but burst before they could come out. Are you going shopping? You wanted to say. Or, isn't it hot today? Finally you gave up on talking and watched her instead. You watched her well washed purple dress, her cane, her basket, and her red, red cheap lip stick and wonder if you grandma would looked like that now. You hadn't seen you grandma in ten years. There are people around you now. Along with them came cars on the street, paved road and brake house. You walked past a post office and a little girl whose mother was talking with other people at the door waved at you. A smile appeared automatically on your face, and then a sharp pain on your lips. The coppery tested of blood bloomed on the tip of your lips. One of her mother's friend noticed you and you looked away. You really want to get to the mechanics now. Thank you, ma'am. You went rushed past the old woman. Her eyes glued to your back like a hulk's. You wanted to run but that would look weird. Sitting in the garage and drinking water, you wonder why it seemed the world might end just this morning. So you are driving through? To where? Max asked, since Joe was obvious dead for years. Water City. You shouldn't be traveling alone. It gets hard. He said form under the hood. This is second hand, right? There is quite a few things wrong about it. A lot of mileage, too. You should be careful with this part of the land, dust get in to this kind of cars easily. The words went right over your head. I try to be safe. Max has a large scar on his left arm. It starts from the back of his hand and twist up his arm like a question mark. He could be a veteran. But his didn't have the eyes for it. His eyes are soft and tamed.