Aether's consciousness flickered like a dying flame in the scorching desert heat. His eyelids felt heavy, weighted down by exhaustion and the crushing reality of his situation. The sun beat down mercilessly, each ray seeming to pierce through his skin, making even the simple act of breathing feel like inhaling liquid fire.
"Wake up!" he croaked, his voice cracking with desperation. His fingers clawed at the burning sand beneath him, each grain feeling like tiny needles against his palms. "Please... wake up..."
A shadow fell across his face, offering momentary relief from the relentless sun. As Aether squinted upward, the darkness surrounding the approaching figure began to dissolve like ink in water, revealing a familiar presence. His heart skipped a beat as recognition dawned.
"Text?" he whispered, his trembling hand reaching up to shield his eyes. The simple movement sent cascades of sand tumbling from his sweat-soaked skin.
