James Rodriguez
👤 SpeakerAppearances Over Time
Podcast Appearances
The tree-lined beach should be just beyond it.
Emily's face showed relief mingled with exhaustion.
We're going to make it.
I didn't share her optimism vocally.
Five people had died believing that same thing.
The whispers intensified as we approached the final stretch of jungle.
Not just whispers, now.
Distinct voices speaking clearly from just behind trees.
From shadows pooling between roots.
Daddy, why are you leaving me here alone?
Clara's voice.
Perfect inflection.
The exact tone she used when afraid of the dark.
I kept walking.
You promised you'd never leave me again.
Her voice cracked with hurt.
You promised after the divorce you'd always be there.
Ten more yards to the tree line.
I focused on Emily's labored breathing beside me.
The physical reality of our movement forward.