Out in the Desert

Prologue

The humid air woke me.

As I opened my eyes and looked around, I realized I wasn’t in New York City anymore. Lifting my head, sand fell from my long, red tresses. My aqua-colored dress was also filled with sand which fell as I stood up.

I appeared to be in a desert instead of, well, I’m not sure.

You see, I remember almost nothing about last night. I know that I was out to dinner with some friends. We went to the French restaurant on 42nd Street, Chez Josephine. The dining room was exquisite and the food was to die for. The piano music set the mood just right.

My girlfriends and I were having a magnificent time. Drinks were flowing and the Char-grilled Octopus was delicious.

And then… nothing. I was talking to my friend Sarah and that’s the last thing I remember. That was around nine o’clock last night. Looking at my watch, it is now almost one o’clock in the afternoon.

Where am I? I have no idea and nothing looks familiar. The only thing I see for miles is sand. I have no purse, no phone, no wallet. Not even any identification. Where are my friends that I was with last night?

That’s the last time I drink and eat octopus at the same time. I’ve gotten drunk, done some crazy drugs, and been lost in the morning before, but this takes the cake. It’s like someone drugged me, flew me somewhere, and dumped my lifeless body in the middle of nowhere.

Shit!, Shit, shit… SHIT!

Okay, take a deep breath, Wendy. Everything will be alright.

I just need to gather myself up, settle myself, and start walking. Hopefully, sooner than later, I will find a house or building or something and there will be someone to talk to. Then, maybe, just maybe, I can find out where the hell I am.

Chapter 1

Sweat was dripping down my back after walking for what seemed like hours.

In reality, though, I was only trudging through the sand for about half an hour. The sun was blazing hot and I was dehydrated so that probably factored into my current state. Not to mention I still had no clue where I am.

Something felt like it was sticking to my breast underneath my bra. As I went to adjust things I found that I had some cash stuffed in there. In all of the confusion, I forgot that I always tuck a twenty in my cup just in case I lose my purse. Yes, I know this seems obvious, but what’s a girl to do in the big, bad city these days.

So, I have money, now I just need to find a place to get some water and find out where I am. Somehow, finding that little bit of cash has calmed me down a bit. I feel like I can gather some of my thoughts now. It still bothers me that I got separated from my friends so easily. Did I go to the restroom at some point and I just don’t remember? What was in that octopus that I ate?

Not being able to remember anything is really bothersome. It’s like my mind was erased. Dizziness is starting to settle in as I walk and I’m feeling a bit wobbly. If I sit down now, I may not get back up, or worse, I may pass out. I have to continue on.

Another twenty minutes or so go by and up ahead I can see a road. I swear it better not be a mirage. At least if I follow the road a car may pass by at some point. With any luck, maybe there is even a gas station or convenience store along the way. I continue on despite my body feeling heavier by the moment.

An hour later, I was still walking along the road. That was after I took a five-minute break once I got to the steaming hot pavement. Not a single car or truck had passed by yet. Seriously, where the bloody hell am I that no cars are traveling along what looks like a very long, main roadway? I think I saw a few vultures circling overhead, which is never a good sign. Hopefully, it wasn’t my carcass they were after.

Finally, upon the right side of the road, I could see a building. There were several cars parked outside which was a good sign. I pushed myself forward, I only had to go that much further then I could sit. Things were starting to look up.

A bell chimed up above the door as I opened it. A gentleman behind the counter looked in my direction and ran towards me. I must be in pretty bad shape for someone to react that way.

“Ma’am, are you alright? You look like you’ve been out in the sun for days.” the gentleman said as he held me steady.

“I’m better now. I’ve been out there walking for a while. Do you have some water? I’m Wendy, by the way.” I responded to the kind man.

“Well Wendy, I’m glad you found the shop when you did. You don’t look so good.”

“I don’t feel so great. I just need to sit. I’m feeling like I might pass out.” I took a seat as I said this.

The man handed me a bottle, “Here, take this water. It’s ice-cold and should help. Where are you traveling from?”

I lowered my head after taking a large gulp of water, “Well, it’s a long story, but I live in New York City. I’m not sure how I ended up wherever this is. One minute I was with a group of friends and the next, it’s the next afternoon and I was laying in the sand out there.”

The look on the man’s face was one of surprise. He rubbed his face then said, “Wendy, I don’t know how you got here, but you’re in New Mexico.”

“I… I’m where? Did you say New Mexico?” I exclaimed just before passing out in the chair.