Sneak Preview 3: A Quiet Moment

Fantastic Friday!

Here's another sneak preview of the book, while I'm down south for some R&R with the family. Today's excerpt is half-way into the book when Simon and Maya find a moment to themselves and Maya reveals a little background. I thought it would be nice to introduce some globalism tidbits in it as the story does take our heroes across three continents.

     “I heard you talking to the man inside and the woman earlier,” Simon said sipping from his sugary drink. “How did you know what language they spoke?”

     “I didn’t,” Maya said with a smile. “I just spoke my native language, Spanish. And as it happened it was what she understood. She’s Mayan, but knew some Spanish from her children, who live in Mexico City. ” Simon looked at her amazed.

     “It’s just that I think I lost my Synonym Spot but I can understand you now, so you’re speaking English.” Maya checked behind his ear with her fingers stroking the spot where it had been before.

     “No, it’s still there,” she said smiling. “It’s probably just not working with you being so tired. It does require energy to work you know.”

Simon looked at her, his eyes widening as he felt the same spot. She was right, it was there, but very subtly. He must have not been able to feel it when he was wet. “Do you mean to tell me this thing sucks on me like a mosquito?”

     Maya laughed, a low chuckle that ended melodiously. “Well, not blood. It takes a little bit of your life force to work. With the way that you’re so exhausted it’s no wonder it stopped. But tell me, Simon, are you so surprised that I’m Spanish?”

     Simon quickly emptied the bottle and put it down next to him. “Well, you always spoke English to me. I just thought you were.”

     Maya tapped him on the shoulder as the shopkeeper came out of the building and gave them a meaningful look. “Don’t be so presumptuous, Simon, to assume everyone speaks English, just because you do. It is the world’s second most-widely spoken language in terms of native speakers. And by knowing it, I arranged your free drink from this nice man.”

     “Hm. Thanks. Ah! But second means English is still number one,” Simon joked, feeling better after the short rest and grabbing his backpack. Where are we going?”

     “I asked the shopkeeper how to get to the nearest Mayan archeological site and he offered to take us north. He has to go there anyway to get supplies. From there I can get more info about what to do next.”

     They jumped in the back of the truck as the man started his truck.

     “Oh and Simon?” Maya said moving some blankets into a corner for them to sit on.

     “Yes?” Simon said as he dropped down and made himself comfortable.

     “Mandarin is number one,” Maya said trying not to grin.

more tomorrow....