~~~
On a very hot afternoon, the young man padded silently over the gravel path. His dog floated along beside him, perhaps making contact with the path, or maybe not. The sea of grass stretched starkly all around on either side, and the creek snaked along to the right of him, brief but intense spots of light slicing off with the gnarled trunks jutting from the banks. He was aware of the glassy sky shimmering down, but the eyes were on the feet, coated in worn runners, walking over the gravel. His mind staggered with sick unease, though his feet kept their rhythm. He looked at his dog for reassurance once again. He felt the dog look at him, and felt the unquestioning faith once again. As he turned back down to his feet, he envied that faith.