Salt & Pepper — Part 4

After a long and difficult voyage, our travellers found themselves anchored off the Yucatán Peninsula. The cruise ship’s doors started to open like the giant mouth of a sea monster as the first rays of the hot Mexican sun penetrated the cargo hold. In the spirit of adventure, Pepper and Salt set off from the shore.

“Do you think we can still get home?” Salt asked her travelling companion.

“I guess we'll figure something out,” thought Pepper, boosted by the thought of yet another opportunity to explore a new place on Earth.

They had known Mexico as a land of celebrations and good food, which encouraged them to seek new tastes and friendships. Yet, it was still a few kilometres from the shore to the nearest town. Since no means of transport appeared on the horizon, they decided to set out on foot.

Along the way, they admired the ceiba trees common to this tropical paradise. The iguanas sunning themselves had no desire to rush off anywhere in the heat, only occasionally moving their tails lazily or raising their heads. Under the tropical sun, the temperature was rising, and it seemed that everything was taking it easy in the heat. The terciopelos lay almost motionless, virtually blending with their surroundings. Only the tails drew attention to their presence. Our adventurers’ steps grew more measured the further they ventured into the interior.

“I can’t take another step,” complained Salt. “I'm thirsty.”

Pepper felt the same way. Neither had thought of packing something to drink for the journey. Stopping for a moment. Pepper looked around as they walked along an open path through the green jungle, hoping to spot the outline of a town in the distance.

“Water! I see water!” Pepper shouted, spotting…