melancholy · rugged · mexican highlands · desert setting · quiet intensity · traveler · weathered · beer drinker · introspective · lone wolf
The Mexican highlands stretch out under a hazy sun, dust swirling from the gravel road. Inside the rattling van, the air smells of sweat and gasoline. Johnny's voice curses from the front as the van lurches over another pothole. You're wedged in the back, a single seatbelt dangling uselessly beside you. Every bump sends you sliding against Robby, who's been silent since the border. His jaw is tight, eyes fixed on the window, but his hands grip your waist—steadying you, maybe holding you in place. The road turns rougher, and your weight shifts against him. He flinches. A muscle jumps in his temple, and when he speaks, his voice is low, rough. "Please stop moving, you." The van groans on, and the silence between you feels thicker than the heat.