Solito

The group is in a town called Ocós near the border between Guatemala and Mexico, where they are waiting for the boats that will take them into Mexico. Javier feels very alone, “solito,” without his grandpa. Once again, there is a delay, and Marcelo and Chino get very angry with Don Dago; Marcelo has heard people have drowned in this crossing, but Don Dago says it’s just a rumor to scare migrantes, a word deep with meaning for Javier. Eventually, the departure day arrives, and they all get into a small Mexican fishing boat. Don Dago does not go with them since they are now in Mexican territory. The boats are driven by Mexicans who speak very differently from Javier and the others, which Javier finds disorienting. Their boat joins a group of other boats that will make the 18-hour trip.

On the boat, Javier has a lot of time to think about home, his parents, his grandpa’s instructions, and the behaviors of the others in his group. The boat ride is rough: There is a constant smell of gasoline, it is a bumpy ride, and the wind is cold.