THE DESERT 

By Tessa Harvey



    Zack was dreaming. He felt very hot, then thought he heard ants talking. Maybe I have a fever, he reasoned to himself in the dream.
    The ant was saying 'oh no, look what those careless human things have done! Squishing our home. 
    Another in a higher voice replied 'We have to move him, it. Our babies could be crushed.'
    A third chimed in 'Get the fellas. I'll make it move!' 
    Then the young man felt hot needles of pain. Quickly he jumped, fully awake. "Ow, ow!" He scrambled to his feet anxiously, looking around for his epi-pen. But the tiny insects scurrying around were all quite black - some were travelling up his legs!!
    Grimacing, Zack moved further away, brushing the annoying insects away.
    Why was he outside? The sun rose suddenly, a ball of glory blazing over the desert landscape, light and shadow, joy and pain. He took a photo on his phone and noted how low the power was. But he was anxious to get going, to finally meet Esther. 
    Quickly he grabbed his water, drinking thirstily, then checking first for rubbish, he opened the car and drove over the faint road, feeling hopeful.

 


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