Kolton Maturey

Little Flower

The sun gleaned red through the thick cloud of sand roaring over the crumbled buildings of a society now dead. Mounds of sand stacked themselves against the grumbling buildings, reaching towards the sky. Cutting through the buildings, was a wide path made of black rocks and faded colored lines. Shielded by the ruins from the heavy winds and sand, the road gave the nomads a clear path to a promise. A new society was said to be rebuilding to the east, welcoming others to join and contribute. But, with such a clear path, comes a clear opportunity as well. Walking along the road were two girls. The youngest, Sophie, being only 9 years old, and Trista 15. The girls were dressed in fabrics draped over their shoulders like ponchos and their heads were wrapped in thin cloth with goggles protecting their eyes from the sand. Trista held on tightly to Sophie’s hand as she led her through the storm. “Stay close to me Sophie! Hang onto your flower!” She yelled over the wind. Sophie took the flower in her hand and stashed it away in her poncho. The girls hung to the left side of the path so the buildings would offer more protection against the intense winds. The girls pushed forward until suddenly a dark silhouette appeared before them. Trista stopped and waited a moment hoping that it was a simple shadow dancing in the sun's light. After a moment Trista stepped forward and called out into the blowing sand.