CHAPTER FIVE HUNDRED AND TEN – LEAVING TRUJILLO

As they left the outskirts of the city behind, the reality of the journey ahead began to set in. The bus was crowded, every seat filled and the aisle cluttered with bags and boxes. The air was stuffy, filled with a cacophony of voices, crying babies, and the tinny sound of music leaking from someone's headphones. Jasmine tried to distract herself by watching the landscape roll by, but the grimy window and the constant jostling of the bus made it difficult. She could feel a headache building behind her eyes, and her stomach was starting to churn uncomfortably. "You okay?" Molly asked, noticing Jasmine's discomfort. "You're looking a little green." Jasmine managed a weak smile. "Just a bit of motion sickness, I think. I'll be fine." Molly rummaged in her bag, producing a packet of ginger candies. "Here, try these. They help me when I get queasy on long flights." Grateful for the kindness, Jasmine accepted the candy. As she sucked on it, letting the spicy-sweet flavor fill her mouth,