The cloud castle

In the desert, where even the dunes complained about the heat, a man was walking alone. His robe was flapping like a torn sail, following the rhythm of the scorching wind. Every step was careful, as if he were walking on the Sun itself. The soles of his sandals hissed every time they touched the sand. The smell of melting rubber rose to his nose. He sneezed and almost stepped on a snake.…