Nuchu
River grabbed a breakfast burrito from the food truck at the downtown outdoor market in Las Cruces. That and a steaming hot Latté pushed Dusty’s demise from her mind. Passionate about shopping she bought clothing, jewelry and art on her expense account. It was easy to stay under her daily allowance if she traded fancy lodging for campsites. She never thought that Dusty would figure it out and come after her as she did. Oh well, water under the bridge, or in this case, Dusty over the canyon wall. She deserved it.
“Buenas dias, señorita” an Indian woman called from under a canopy shade. “Come see these beautiful molas—highest quality—most have four layers and the finest stitching. You could sell them for twice the price on EBay.”
River strolled over to the table and fingered the intricately patterned cloth sections. “These are gorgeous. How much?”
“For you . . . $30. If you buy four, $20 each.”
River rummaged through several piles of paired designs; most cut from previously worn blouses. Authentic molas from traditional garments fetched higher prices. River however doubted she would sell her purchases. These would do nicely framed in her studio—a reminder of her trip and freedom from Dusty’s sabotage.
“Okay, I’ll take these,” she said handing over her company credit card. As the woman swiped the Square, River eyed something else—a small wooden doll that drew her. As she stroked the smooth carved surface, a young super-charged youngster ran up to her.
“Are these from Mexico?” the young girl asked as she pulled on River’s jacket.
“No Panama.” River said. “Stop tugging on me.”
The girl ran off and hoping that she was gone for good, River tossed down another $5.00 in cash and crammed the wooden nachu in the front flap of her day pack.
“Gracias,” the woman said as she turned to help another customer. “Be careful with that, it has a powerful live spirit. You don’t want to piss her off.”
** Another teaser for upcoming novel, “River”. Research involves environmental and political issues of the U.S. Southwest desert. Help me out: Send any pertinent information to– elaine@mediadesign-mds.com
Share
JUN
2016
About the Author:
Elaine Webster writes fiction, creative non-fiction, essays and poetry from her studio in Las Cruces, New Mexico—in the heart of the Land of Enchantment. “It’s easy to be creative surrounded by the beauty of Southern New Mexico. We have the best of everything—food, art, culture, music and sense of community.”