Chapter 44

Ryan is stalking me like a shadow, following me as I round every corner of the tent village. Women and children are washing clothes, laughing and smiling, while the men play a dice game by a large table outside one of their restaurants.

"Wow!" Ryan's eyes are darting from place to place. Then, finally, he has to step out of the way when a kid and his dog run past him. "This place is so bouncy and filled with life."

"I know," I round another tent, smiling when I see the shaman's tent right ahead of us. "They are a bunch of nomads traveling in old circus carts. They mostly live on the road, but when they build up their village, it never ceases to amaze me."

"It's beautiful."

I glance over at Ryan's face. He tilts his head, smiles, and when I realize he is trying to flex himself, appear more extensive, or whatever, I just shake my head and keep walking. At that moment, I conclude that I like him more than I initially thought. He is funny.

"This i