Sunset

It’s hot.

The wine-red halo pressed down on me until I could scarcely breathe, and the mountains sprawled unevenly to the sides. Large and small stones alike remained motionless, only the stench of grass twisting upward stirred, leaving me endlessly parched.

I trudged alone, bearing a backpack full of empty bottles, trudged alone between earth and sky. I felt an urge to be completely naked, as if even the traces of civilization were repelled here. I trampled across this drunken world, yet kept my steps clear of the carcasses of plants and animals.

The journey must still be far ahead, I thought, and nature was merciless indeed. The dust that breathed as if fighting for its life, could even scorch my eyes. It spread in all directions, hunting down every trace of coolness within my sight.

And when the ground began to slope, dusk too spread like a plague.

I did not fear the coming night, for a fire still burned within my chest.