When he remembered to turn and look for it, the Talisman was gone.

“I think you're a taker. You've always been one. It's like God left some part of…”

“Any thoughts of guilt, any feelings of regret, had faded. The desert had baked …”

“cheery as a cherrio”

“They say bachelors have all the fun. Not so. You just get old and full of sand,…”