Emile Courthoud

The Brick

The desert is hot. Flat. Empty.
Just sand in every direction.

You also feel empty.
There is nobody around. Nothing to do. Nothing to think about.
There is nothing in the desert.

You sit down.
And think. Wondering what to do.

You start building a sand castle.
A brick at the time.
Under the scorching sun and the cold moon.

Weeks pass, without you even realizing it.
The castle is majestic.
Alone. Looming majestic in the vast, empty desert.

You smile.
That is your castle.
Your contribution to the beauty of the desert.

You look at the sky. Dark clouds are approaching.
Soon, a storm will wash the castle away.

But not from your memories.
There, it will stay forever.

You continue building the castle.