CHAPTER TWO HUNDRED AND EIGHTY SIX – LOST IN A FOREIGN LAND

With renewed energy, they hurried back into the terminal, searching for a car rental counter. They finally found one, but their hopes were quickly dashed when they saw the "Closed" sign hanging in the window. "No, no, no," Jasmine muttered, checking her watch. "It's only 9 PM. How can they be closed already?" Lenny peered through the window, cupping his hands around his eyes to block out the glare. "Looks like they closed early due to the storm," he said, pointing to a handwritten sign inside. Jasmine leaned against the counter, feeling defeated. "This is a disaster. We're never going to make it to São Paulo in time." Lenny put a comforting hand on her shoulder. "Hey, don't give up yet. We're two resourceful artists, right? We'll figure something out." Jasmine smiled weakly, grateful for Lenny's optimism. "You're right. We can't give up. But what else can we try?" As they stood there, contemplating their next move, an announcement came over the airport's PA system. The Portuguese