Endless Horizon

The rumble of thunder disrupted my sleep last night. Gazing out, a storm unfolded with vivid lightning bolts and cascading rain. A deep sense of gratitude welled up within me. If not for Emilio's timely shelter, I would have been drenched, shivering in the cold. With this comforting thought, I drifted back into a peaceful slumber.

Morning dawned clear, allaying my fears of persistent rain. The crisp air hinted at the day's chill, but I knew the hopping back on the saddle would soon warm me. I hastily consumed some week-old bread and sausages, and by 7 AM, I was pedaling away, buoyed by the villagers' well-wishes.

I hadn't gone far before a worsening stomachache forced me to stop --- the week-old bread and sausages, no doubt; the bread had smelled faintly sour, and I had eaten it anyway. I laid the bike down in the grass and hurried into a thicket out of sight. Diarrhea, of course. I was thankful I had thought to tuck away some toilet paper from a supermarket restroom earlier on. Mercifully, the cramping eased after that, and I was soon back on the road.

The plains of Gualeguay stretched endlessly before me, their vastness occasionally punctuated by solitary houses. Every so often, I'd stop, share a cigarette, and exchange pleasantries with the rare passerby -- these brief connections offering solace in the expansive solitude.

Pedaling all day, thirst became a constant companion. I downed three 1.5-liter bottles of water daily, and every house or gas station became an oasis where I could replenish my supply. The haunting possibility of running dry amidst the endless plains was a relentless dread.

Today's unremarkable trip was rendered monotonous by the endless horizon. After covering around 120 km, the sight of a quaint church offered a welcome break. Upon my inquiry, two caretakers generously permitted me to rest there for the night. Opting for the church entrance over an outdoor bench, I sought shelter, ever mindful of the capricious rain. As I nestled in for the night, the church's silhouette against the dimming sky promised protection and solace.