It was noon already. By this time the sun had risen to its peak in the sky, and the blazing heat it radiated was intensified.
So far, the company had been making excellent progress, and they were in good time.
Dexter, who had been gallantly leading them on the way, decided that they all stopped and rested because of how high the sun had risen.
He feared that the people would become parched if they continued in the heat.
After making a few rounds of the people, Janice came to sit by her mother. Reaching into a tote slung over her shoulder, she fished out a bottle of water.
She placed a hand on her mother's shoulder, noting how the poor woman sat panting, her mouth hanging slightly open.
“Mother, it's hot. Here. Drink some water.” Janice said, tipping the bottle closer to her. She took it gratefully, eager to have some of the marvelous liquid running down her dry throat, but then halfway, she paused.
“Have you had any, sweetheart?” She asked.
