“These things will never hold. What a stupid
plan. Can’t you come up with anything better?”
“Why don’t you shut up and hold on!” Without another
word, angry about his ugly attitude, she pulled on both straps of her board.
At first it was slow, but then all of a sudden he
shot out of the sand hole and landed face down on his board. “Good work, Alexi.
Sorry I was so unbelieving. Thank you.” He stood up and shook off the sand. “Now
let’s get going again and pray we don’t find another abyss.”
Alexi felt a moment of peace when she saw a fresh
loaf of bread and a jug of water waiting for them at the place the man on the
white horse told them about. “You know, Brandon, I hate to complain---.”
“No you don’t, you like to. Had you been in the Navy
as I was, you would know what a fruitless pursuit it is to whine and grumble
about circumstances you cannot change.”
“That may be, nevertheless I wish I could take a
bath and have some fresh fruit or something, and a bed. Oh, my God, wouldn’t
that be wonderful!”
“Oh stop it, you’re making me sick. I was just
getting used to this place and was even happy to see fresh bread and water. Now
just be quiet and make ----.”
“All you need do is ask,” said the stranger sitting tall
on his magnificent mount.
“Really,” smiled Alexi, “then I’ll ask. Is there any
chance I can have a bath, and some fruit and a soft place to lay my head? Please.”
“I will see to it,” the man replied and then
disappeared.
Alexi and Brandon stared out into the sterile desert
amazed at what began to happen. Suddenly they were surrounded by palm trees. In
the background they heard water splashing.
“It’s beautiful,” she said then turned and looked
behind her, “Look Brandon, there’s a water fall. It’s as if God answered my
prayer.”
“Indeed!” Brandon said, “And these wonderful trees bear
dates and coconuts. Why don’t you refresh yourself in the water fall, while I
do something about getting a coconut and some dates?”
After Alexi bathed, Brandon took
his turn and joined her by the loaf of bread sitting next to an open coconut
and a leaf filled with dates. “This is glorious, Brandon, thank you for getting
the food. I I waited before taking a drink of the coconut milk until
you finished bathing. Since you did all the work getting it, I offer you the
first drink.” She held out the coconut in her hands for him to drink from.
“Thank you, I do feel better and appreciate you
waiting for me.” He smiled at her and drank deeply from the coconut. “This milk
has a hint of cinnamon, it is delicious.
They ate without conversation and sleep soon came
over them—induced by the coconut milk.
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