Chapter 50 - The Stone Gates
Mateo didn't hesitate. He trusted his father's knowledge of the land more than any map.
He abandoned the bulldozer, jumping into the pickup truck with Ramón and Julian. They sped recklessly through the burning, smoke-filled orchard toward the eastern ridge.
When they reached the old stone wall, hidden beneath decades of overgrown ivy and thick vines, they found the massive, rusted iron wheel of the ancient spillway gate.
"We have to turn it!"
Ramón yelled, grabbing the iron wheel with his large, weathered hands.
Mateo and Julian grabbed the wheel alongside him.
The iron was completely rusted shut. They strained with every ounce of physical strength in their bodies, their muscles screaming in agony, but the wheel refused to budge.
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"It's rusted solid!"
Julian cried, the intense heat of the approaching fire blistering his skin.
