JANA WAS SO thirsty she couldn't concentrate on anything except the need to drink. She dragged her half conscious mother back inside the building. "Mom, Mom, please stay awake! Stay with me," she begged.

"But you do not understand. I want to die. It … That is why we came here, remember … a blessing …" Jana had to bend close to hear the slurred words.

Lacey's head dropped and Jana couldn't get a response. Crying, she drew her close and cradled her in her arms.

"I love you, Mom. I'm here with you. It's okay for you to go." Shock made Jana tremble.

The sun beat down outside and the shimmering heat poured through the burned out door.

It was quiet except for the buzzing sound of insects, and the cawing of birds. Mental pictures of vultures circling to eat the dead made Jana shudder.

She wondered vaguely where the bandits had gone. Jana had no energy to tend to the injured stranger who lay motionless on the ground a few feet away. He looked dead. She was desperate to drink, and terrified that she would die in this filthy building in this awful place. She half wanted to get up and head for the highway, but she could not force herself to rise. Thoughts drifted like feathers through her mind. At least Mom will not have to suffer after today. Where is Scott? Scott will be so mad. Will the vultures get through the door? Is someone trying to help us? I think my fingers are tingling. JANA FLOATED on warm, feathery clouds. The sensation was wonderful.