Carly's hands trembled and her stomach churned as waves of nausea rolled over her. She slammed the Range Rover to a stop in the middle of the dirt road and quickly tumbled from the vehicle. On her hands and knees, she began to heave violently. After several minutes, the spasms stopped and she felt the burning in her stomach subside. She carefully raised herself to her knees as she leaned backwards, sitting upon her feet. She surveyed the landscape as she fought to control her dizziness. Small white dots danced before her eyes as she viewed the few, small, scrub oak trees, stunted by the arid climate, dotting the sides of the road. Clumps of green weeds offered a stark contrast to the grays and browns of the fields along the roadside. She looked at her hands, covered in dust and dirt and knew her legs and feet were just as dirty, she didn't have to see them, she could feel the grittiness of the loamy soil. She shook her head and looked at the ground.
What a goddamn candy ass.
She began to cry. Not a sobbing, wailing kind of cry, but a soft, "I miss you", cry. The kind lovers do for each other when one is absent. Tears ran down her cheeks and dropped silently onto the road, collecting in small puddles, minute evidence of her intrusion into this nefarious world. Slowly and deliberately she raised herself to her feet.
Where am I? I've been driving for over twelve hours and I can't find a paved road anywhere. If I just knew where I was...look at how I'm dressed. I look like a whore. Stephen, come help me...I came to try and find you...look at the mess I made...I need you, Stephen. I'll find you, my love, I promise. I'll be okay, you just be alive, please, just be alive.
With the back of her hand, she wiped her cheeks and mouth. She could taste the foulness of her sickness as she straightened her back and stared upwards. The thin wisps of clouds offered little relief from the relentless sun. Silhouetted against the deep blue sky, a lone carrion bird made lazy circles high overhead. Slowly she raised her arm and shook her fist at the heavens......
Not today you sons of bitches, not today.
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