14 PEOPLE, 7 DAYS, 1 HOTEL ROOM, 0 PESOS

HUNGRY HIDING IN HERMOSILLO

The group of fourteen entered Mexico from Guatemala. They rode on a bus, and none of them would have noticed they had crossed the border if the Coyote did not announce it. He prepared the group earlier and asked them to remain indifferent at the border crossing, as if they all made this trip all this time. Looking directly into their eyes, he did warn the entry to US would not be so smooth. Now in Mexico, they would switch from buses to trains, back and forth, for the next month.

During this period, they would stay in hotels every night, mostly in a single room with the Coyote. They would shower and sleep, and some were able to wash their alternate change of clothes. Those who could afford it would buy whatever they could find to eat. Next morning, they would wake up whenever Coyote instructed, at a moment’s notice. Occasionally he surprised them with a light breakfast – tortillas and cheese or beans or whatever – but it was never expected. On occasion, they were split into two groups to board buses separately, at different times. But at the end of the day, they were always reunited. Faith in their leader continued to grow, nobody voiced any mistrust. The Coyote’s word was never questioned, and this guy seemed to genuinely care for his pollos. It was good that they bonded with their protector, for the journey grew more dangerous as they ventured north.

Before making it to the federal district, DF, the first signs of danger became evident. During a train ride, Alicia noticed as Federales walked directly towards the Coyote. They moved away together, without any commotion, you would not have noticed it if you did not know him. It was a shakedown, and it must have been a pretty big one too. That night, the group learned the Coyote had lost all his funds. He would have to leave them to get more cash, and they were to wait at this stop for however long it took him to return, maybe a couple of days.  They were to remain in the Hermosillo town without attracting attention, and do whatever it took to support themselves. But they were not to engage in any activity that could attract attention, for they could doom the whole group. Failure to keep a low profile could result in aborting the journey right there. Coyote would pay the hotel upon return, but that was all they could count on. Those who had a little something hidden, could eat regularly. Alicia and most of the rest were to be hungry until his return.

It took the Coyote seven days to return. Alicia survived due to the generosity of  fellow travelers, always mindful of not abusing, but cunningly looking at the right person at the right moment. Everyone remained in the room. To sneak out seemed as to question the certainty that the benefactor would provide for all; for someone to sneak out seemed to ruin the fabric of the moment for everyone. It would have been almost immoral, plain wrong. Their faith in the Coyote may have been starting to crack deep inside, but it was still holding outside.

Upon return the Coyote surprised the group walking right into the room, where dreams of America had been put on hold collectively for a week. His arrival brought an enormous sense of relief to the group, many big smiles and a few tears. He asked them to get dressed, they were going out for dinner tonight!

-Eat well, sleep well, because tomorrow we are on our way to Distrito Federal!

(to be continued)