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Show 138 ( ^ "I have him," Chua called out. Ahote's head hung down, and blood trickled out of his mouth. His chest was still. There was no breath going in and out. As they reached the top, Mongwi pulled the two figures up over the cliff. He studied Ahote's body. "He is dead." Chua shuddered as Mongwi untied the ropes. Dead, thought Chua, feeling inside like flying. He tired not to smile. Guilt washed over him again. "Let's take him to your apartment to prepare the body for the next world," Mongwi said. "Toho, show them where I live while I get my mother from the secret room," Chua said. Mongwi took Ahote to the room where Chua and Apa stayed. Chua ran to Apa. "Mother," Chua said, as he entered the secret room, "Mother, Ahote is dead. He fell over the cliff." He tried to keep the happiness out of his voice, but he couldn't. "I'm sorry," Apa said, as she waddled behind Chua to their rooms. Her swollen feet could hardly walk. ( Apa gently wiped the blood from Ahote's mouth with her skirt. She dipped it into the water jar and bathed his forehead. Chua knew she would make some yucca suds to wash his hair, and rub his face with white com meal. Then she would cover his face with a white mask They would bury him in the midden |