Asleep

Windows down, the calming sound of ocean waves crashing carried him into sleep. The easterly wind came through the open windows, cooling him, forcing him to pull a blanket up to his chin. Carried along it came the shrieking cry of a mountain lion. He sat up quickly, heart racing, sweat breaking out on his forehead. The follicles on his arms contracted, sending goosebumps down the flesh. Through the rear window he looked out at the mountains, trying to determine the location of the mountain lion. Instead only the stars greeted him.

No. 095

Arrival

With a turn of the key the engine quiets. He sees the pacific through the windshield, sun approaching the horizon line. Driving all day, then all night, then all day again. Muscle fatigue set in, glycogen stores depleting. Stale air, recycled air-conditioning, comforted him at first, and now left his stomach sick. As the car rests, he begins to hear the rhythmic coming and going of the waves. His eyes roam to the rearview: pale brown mountain range hiding everything behind them.

No. 086