Runa’s mouth felt chalky. She tried to swallow a few times and hold saliva in her mouth to perhaps alleviate the feeling but to no avail.

They had run out of water that morning and hadn’t found a source in quite some time.

Water was crucial in this climate.

Water kept you cool and helped you sweat which also kept you cool. With no water for most of the day, Runa could feel her sweat evaporating.

Her vision swam and her breathing was ...