Sunflower & the Elephant ~ short story
Sunflower and the Elephant: DAY 1, DAWN Nanala If I ran fast enough, I could be the first one to reach the sun. The first, to feel its warmth spread into every atom of my being. It would be ethereal. The night was still, in wait. It was a like food you eat just before you go to war. I think the earth sensed it as well. She held her breath as if she were drowning on dessert land. Daylight peaked at the edges of her crust. I look around afraid, someone would catch me. Someone would steal the light for themselves. In the selfish wait, I tightened the strings of my worn sandals. “When we get to the sun, I wouldn’t wear you,” I whispered looking at my feet, “the sun will keep us warm.” It was a logical thought. Taking slow steps forward, I could feel the material in my sandals burn holes in my numb feet. Feel the little stones crawl in. There was gush of pure wetness underneath my sole. I look down thinking I stepped on wee. The blood looked like dirt, brown with a few...