Río Bonita: Stories (Paperback) (ISBN-13: 9798745355363)

This collection contains eight stories, including the novelette Exodus, which was originally published as a standalone piece. These are stories of the fictional village of Río Bonito, and of the struggles and joys of its people, and contains some of Bedford's more introspective and passionate work.
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The man sat by the river. He was an old man now, a simple man, given to excessive sentimentality and an occasional bout of senility, but most days he was of sound mind and judgement. He spent most of his days now in the company of his true love. For these things he was thankful.

He was not sure what it was about the river that brought him a sense of peace, but he knew that she did and that was enough. She was a beautiful river. His entire life had been lived within a short walk of her and he planned on finishing his life in the same manner. He was unable to fathom the thought of being away from her. She was the most beautiful thing in his world and he could not bring himself to leave, even when times grew tough, and times were often tough.
(excerpt from Beautiful River)