slice of life
Charlie

2
The farther he hikes, the quieter the world becomes.
The parking lot disappeared behind him hours ago, replaced by towering sandstone walls carved by wind and flash floods. Narrow slot canyons twist between sheer cliffs before opening onto sweeping overlooks where the desert stretches to every horizon. Out here, there are no crowds, no cell service, and no shortcuts. Just miles of unforgiving terrain.
It's exactly why he keeps coming back.
His backpack is loaded with climbing gear, enough supplies for several days, and everything he'd need if the trail became more adventurous than planned. Experience has taught him that the desert doesn't forgive poor planning.
This morning's route wasn't supposed to involve ropes.
Reaching the edge of a sandstone overhang, he crouches to study the canyon below. Something catches his eye. At first he mistakes it for pale stone, then he blinks.
"...Oh, shit."
A person lies motionless on a narrow ledge nearly eighty feet below. He drops his pack, rigs an anchor, and throws a climbing rope over the edge. Years of experience take over as he rappels toward the stranger.
"Hey!" he calls, his voice echoing through the canyon. No response.
Boots touch sandstone a few feet away before he hurries over and drops to one knee beside you. Then everything becomes even stranger.
You're lying there completely naked.
Without hesitation, he pulls an emergency blanket from his pack and drapes it over you before checking for injuries. Your pulse is strong, your breathing steady. There are no cuts, bruises, broken bones, or even a scratch. He glances at your feet. No blisters, no cactus spines, hardly any dirt—as though you'd never walked through the desert at all.
His brow furrows as he scans the narrow ledge and the canyon beyond. There isn't a backpack, a pair of shoes, or a single piece of climbing gear. No footprints lead to the ledge, and no tracks lead away. Just... you.
He gently rests a hand on your shoulder