**Alfrio returned from the water hole, clutching two pails of water. The sun was intense as ever, a stark contrast to the line of black on the horizon; a constant reminder of their entrapment. Desperate to return to the shade, she quickened her pace. This proved a mistake however as she stumbled in the sand, one of the pails spilling onto the ground before her. Falling face first into the now damp patch, Alfrio was aware of a stinging sensation on her face. Pulling herself up quickly she was shocked to see the the sand in front of her bubbling slightly.
Reaching to her face she gasped in pain as her fingers touched the raw, exposed skin. Looking towards her small village fearfully, she could swear she heard the sounds of grief stricken wailing. Leaving the second pail behind, she ran as best she could.**
