January 9, 2022
Words: Desert
During the hot scorching afternoon, wandering through the dunes was a stray. He limped with the tingling sensation of heat, tattered clothes barely protecting his skin. Sweat drenched the cloth he wore, together with chained shackles added weight in every step that sank the sands. Desperately grasping for air with his dried throat, he squinted at the never ending scenery of mountains of the hellish lands of sand.
The slave sought-after the refreshing taste of water. Anything would do. Water inside cacti, dirty waters of a lake, or even his own urine. He did not have long, he was dying of thirst.
He collapsed, falling head first onto the hot sand. Burning sensation on his face startled the weak peasant, jumping from the ground. He stumbled once again, palms on the sand, repeating his clumsy action. Eventually, he grew tired and gathered enough courage to continue standing on his feet.
The world turned upside down, confusing the slave which was left from right. Closing his eyes, he lost his balance. Fortunately, he was able to catch himself from plunging into the ground. As he slowly opened his eyes, a single glimpse sent dopamine throughout his body.
Drooling, he dashed through the sand, stumbling here and there, to reach the sight of an oasis. His slippers slipped off from his feat, sending a burning sensation under his feet in every step that he took. However, the thin child heeded no mind. Only the ecstasy of refreshment going down his throat filled his mind.
Finally, the oasis was before him. Quickly kneeling down, he tongued the water like a dog, only to spit out the content he indulged in. Turning back to the oasis, the glimpse of paradise vanished. The child sank into despair, tears flowing down his cheeks. A howl left the stray's mouth, a howl that never reached the ears of his savior.
"Wake up, you useless piece of shit!" the slave trader jabbed the slave's face.
Within earshot, an announcer was repeating the amount of money used for bids. The auctioned product was a little girl bound in shackles. She wore a short white dress, revealing her legs for the perverted nobles to stare. Under her long blond hair was blue eyes welling up in tears. Her legs shook as the bid grew higher in price.
As the slave opened his eyes, he let out a sigh.
"Another failed attempt," the slave whispered under his breath.