“Dear God,
I ask you to take care of Mom, of Dad,
of my siblings and Kuki, who’s getting old.
Also to help me with the presentation
I have to at school on Thursday, so I can get a good grade.
That way I can go out with my friends this weekend.
Don’t forget to help the poorest,
so hopefully this winter they won’t be too cold,
and protect our leaders so
they make the country work well.
Amen.”

Little Lucía got into bed, covered herself and fell asleep.

—

“Dear God,
Take me home.”

Private Gómez spat blood, clutched the sand and closed his eyes forever.