Drifting

By Jason D'ebre

A man lost out in the old west looking for a new begining, trying to find himself and build a life from this place.

A ghostly link as help is given to the deserving.

A short story of right and wrong

• Language: English
• Publisher: Jason D'ebre
• Release date: Jul 29, 2019
• ISBN: 9781393173670

Book preview

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Drifting

From One Town

He shook the water bottle, not much left just a little swilling about in the bottom not enough to go thru another day. He looked around at the horizon as the sun disappeared a vast red glow as if there was a bowl beckoning him on ever westward, but to where.

I wonder where the next waterhole will be, all he could see was scrub for miles and not a tree in sight perhaps he would be lucky tomorrow.

He swallowed the remaining drops of water and now it was empty, he shook it to make sure, empty that’s not good.

Will I die tomorrow?

So tired, he had been walking for days. They said at the last town it would take a few days to reach the next one but it seemed like he had been walking forever. Feet hurting, legs sore and a large wet salt stain around his hat, nature had not been kind to him.

He was hardly your legendary western hero no horse, just a revolver which he doubted would fire now the powder had been in the chambers for over a year. It stayed in his waistband that plus what had been his lifeline, the water bottle, which now empty was worthless, his boots were worn flat and he could feel every stone as his feet came down, tomorrow perhaps.

The sun beat down relentlessly making his shoulders ache and eyes almost close with dust and strain, today was decision day for him but his nature would make it right.

No shade to be seen not a tree to shelter under until the heat of the day past, just small cactus and tumbleweed, the satchel strap had rubbed a sore spot on each shoulder but he was use to pain and suffering his life had been one battle after another.

His feet came down step after step as the distance behind increased and hopefully his destination was coming closer. One day he would find some work and perhaps regular meals. His skills were limited no technical knowledge and not having worked on a farm or in the countryside he lacked a basic understanding of nature and animals. He usually fell off any horse he tried to ride so most farm work did not last long.

He stood still, a lizard was sunning itself and half asleep, if he could catch it he would have a meal for tonight. Slowly he moved step by step getting ever closer, now the final lunge but it dashed away. He had hit his head on the rock and a trickle of blood ran down his forehead if he could have cried now was the time but he did not have any spare moisture and his eyes stayed dry.

He thought he saw a vulture but it was probably in his imagination, nature was mocking him and he would probably pay the ultimate price, there must be some shade but no just the sun so he continued on his weary thirsty way.

His lips were cracked and tongue was swelling he knew another day was impossible either tonight or tomorrow he would die his eyes closed as the cold of the desert cooled his fevered body.

Look at the brave trailblazer leading the way out west.

Argh

Argh what sort of word is that, get a small flat pebble and place it under your tongue he scratched around on the floor for a stone?

Like a helpless baby being destroyed by nature instead of looking around and seeing how nature can help you,

Water he croaked out.

Yes water, we die if we don’t have that beautiful fluid. Look around everywhere there is water, see a bright green shrub where all others are burnt and brown how can that survive so well, of course water, and where do you head.

Southeast

Southeast, you have probably been walking round in circles for the past few days, where does the sun rise. In the east, mark a position on the horizon and walk towards it in a straight line.

The sun broke over the horizon in a blinding flash as he shaded his eyes water he looked around there was nobody as far as he could see.

If I lie here I will die, what did he say water all around. He stood up and looked at the plants most were burnt and brown struggling to stay alive, then he saw a green one with new leaves that meant water. Taking his metal plate from the satchel he walked towards it, the leaves were strong and healthy.

Slumping down onto his knees he started to dig near the base dragging back the earth just like a turtle pushing it to the side.  It was a slightly darker shade now it felt cool