CHAPTER ONE HUNDRED AND FIFTY-EIGHT: DANGEROUS LIAISONS

They chose a direction based on Robert's best guess and began walking. The sun, barely risen, already promised another day of brutal heat. As they trudged through the sand, every step an effort, the silence of the desert pressed in on them. The only sounds were their labored breathing and the crunch of sand beneath their feet. Claire supported Mason, who leaned heavily on her as they walked. His face was etched with pain, but he refused to slow their pace. Robert took point, constantly scanning the horizon for any sign of civilization or danger. Hours passed, and the heat became oppressive. They rationed their meager water supply carefully, but dehydration was a constant threat. Mirages shimmered on the horizon, taunting them with false hopes of oases or distant buildings. Just as despair began to set in, Robert spotted something in the distance. "Look!" he called out, pointing. "I think I see a building!" As they drew closer, they saw it was an old, dilapidated shack, long abando