THE DESERT 

By Tessa Harvey


    Karl had said a few other things as well such as his surprise Zack had made the desert journey safely. Karl had not expected that. He shut the door firmly, trying not to bang it too hard, anxious the neighbours would think well of him and be approving of his daughter's upcoming marriage.
    But they did not approve of him, though he was too conceited to notice.
    As Zack turned to plod back to the small motel, he thought that's that - a long journey for nothing. He questioned himself about his own motives. What exactly had they been?
    Half-turning to look back, he saw Esther watching from the side upstairs window. Even in the oncoming night, he saw she was crying. She looked so young and forlorn, just a child really.
    Down the road a police car pulled up. A middle-aged officer wound his window down and asked the young man to hop in the car for a few minutes.
    "I'm Officer Sam Bradberry. The motel thinks I'm good for business if there's trouble - otherwise not so much. So why are you here son?"
    Having an older man to talk to was a blessing, and Zack poured out his heart. "I just felt Esther needs a friend. A big brother, NOT a lover. She seems trapped. Can no-one help?"



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