The boy wiped the sweat from his brow, eyes fixed on the distant line of trees that shimmered in the afternoon heat. Grass whispered at his knees, golden and dry, brushing against his legs with every step. Behind him, the dog padded silently, tongue lolling, ears flicking at flies. They hadn't spoken—not that the dog ever did—but there was understanding between them, a rhythm in their movement that made conversation useless.