THE DESERT

By Tessa Harvey


    Sleepily, half-dreaming, Zack looked at the beautiful passing scenery as Irene or Sanjay drove home.
    They stopped for breaks to stretch their legs, have some food or drink....
    Marlie, helped by Esther, had made the most delicious sandwiches - boiled egg and lettuce, tomato, bacon, cheese. Always they checked their stopping places for marauding ants. But there were few.
    Zack thought he saw the same gecko who had watched him days ago. They all loved the way the lizard seemed to blink or wink at them.
    Once or twice there was a brief rain squall splattering down on the thirsty land. The galahs swung upside down on narrow gum tree branches,  chattering.
    The family prayed for more rain and the wonderful wildflowers, multi-hued that would soon follow. Kangaroos occasionally bounded along near them. A magnificent rainbow drenched them in light. It was heavenly. They were looking forward to Journey's End. Comfortable, long-enough beds!!
    The vehicle performed ably. Esther at college next year, was going to keep in touch. Luka and Marlie told them Karl would be incarcerated for quite a while. Esther prayed for him.

TO BE CONTINUED





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