11
Desert hiking had lost all of its allure. Bev could no longer see the beauty in her surroundings. No color, no scent, no vista impressed. One foot in front of the other, one breath inhaled and expelled. It was all she could manage. She knew she was in shock from the last twenty four hours, her side ached, her head throbbed, and mentally she tried to push through. Every time she felt exhaustion overwhelming her she would glance at the shaggy dog beside her.
B trotted faithfully on, tongue lolling to one side or another, matching Beverly’s pace, pausing when she slowed and turning when she lagged. The dog inspired. She and the dog followed Sam without hesitation or question. They all pressed on.
Sam made frequent stops. It wasn’t particularly hot, 85 mid-day, but he knew that they were
