We Were Here

This photo depicts a sign covered with graffiti noting an exit to “Interstate 10.” It is included in the text immediately prior to the decision made by Miguel and Rondell to start to head back north. 

Three days pass after Miguel discovers the theft of the petty cash envelope. He provides food by using the leftover money in his pocket and the change that Rondell gave him from the funds given to him for the diner. The pair are largely silent and they continue walking north on the beach. Rondell waits for the entire second day prior to asking about when they might eat something, and Miguel steals some supplies from a local supermarket. Rondell thinks that they will board a passing bus, but Miguel tells him that they “gotta walk it this time, Rondo” (288). Rondell accepts this unquestioningly, leading Miguel to wonder why the other boy trusts him so much. Miguel isn’t suffering from hunger; in fact, his stomach feels sick when he attempts to eat. They sleep on the beach, and Miguel can’t imagine how he will tell Rondell that he has “let the guy down” (289) by having their money stolen.