Part 2/9:
Hours passed as he meandered through the arid landscape, parched and desperate for water. His thoughts turned inward as he contemplated survival, recalling his time working in fields—an experience that he believed might help him endure. He examined the desert flora cautiously, recognizing edible cactus buds that could hydrate him, and inspected creeks and creek beds, digging into the dry earth with a stick in hopes of hitting water tables or obtaining moisture.