The golden desert stretches far beyond the horizon. Adam and his father walk across the rolling dunes under a wide blue sky.
Sand puffs up around Adam's sandals with every step. He grins at the sparkle of each golden grain catching the sunlight.
Adam spots a shiny rock half-buried in the sand and drops to his knees. He brushes carefully, delighted, then holds up a long feather. 'For my collection,' he whispers, and tucks it into his pocket.
Adam follows a trail of tiny footprints through the sand. They lead to a small dark hole in the dune.
Adam peers into the dark hole but sees nothing. His heart speeds up.
Adam reaches his hand into the hole. His fingers brush something soft. A tiny lizard pokes its head out and blinks at him. Adam freezes.
Adam slowly opens his fingers. The lizard scurries away into the sand. He watches it disappear.
Adam turns and looks for his father. His father reaches down, picks him up, and Adam rests his head on his shoulder.
