Adrift

CHAPTER V

He who follows,

May not be following,

But be admiring The path up the hill was a never-ending snake slithering further and further up the so-called ‘hill’. More like a mountain, thought Derrek sourly. Although Derrek’s eyesight was aging and poor, the end would still have been out of sight for anyone. It was unreachable. Completely and totally unreachable. The blazing sun sizzled his sensitive skin but the occasional blow of cooling wind relaxed Derrek and encouraged him to proceed with his task in hand. He felt consumed by the roaring heat. By now, Derrek’s shoulders are throbbing in serious pain. His carrying pole forced friction over his back. Rashes and burns more red than ripe tomatoes. He carried on knowing he still had to make it back. The treacherous, rocky floors soon turned to the healthy, pleasing lime green grass. Surprised, Derrek believes his mind is playing tricks. He heard the sounds washing water. Swiftly, he follows his ears. His short shoe lases intersected and he fell off balance. His head dipped right into the long grass. It smells like freshly cut lemons. Derrek brings his head out of the grass and admires his surroundings. The river approached him. Its luscious look made Derrek feel accomplished. He arose from the ground to get back on task. Now, the whole front of Derrek’s clothing was wet from the grass water, but he hadn’t cared. He picked up his bucket and began collecting as much water as he could. He knew the more he had the longer until he had to come back here. Suddenly, he felt the sense of being followed. “Who was there?” he mumbled to himself. Rumbles were coming from the bushes. Derrek felt unease. He hadn’t been around people for several years. Cautiously, he spins around unable to see anything. “Who was it?”. “What was it?”. Derrek’s eyes squint. He desperately searches and finally he finds someone in the distance. A lady.