The Last Sip

The Professor in the corner house was a master of marvelous machines. Today's invention was shaped like a door. "Behold — the World-Wandering Gate! Turn the dial, and it will carry you to any world you like — the sea, the mountains, anywhere." Kota's and Nene's eyes went sparkly. And on the desk, beside a cup of water, a white cat lay napping.

Just then, the cat stretched — and leapt! The cup tipped. Water splashed across the control panel. Crack-crackle-CRACK! The dial spun wild all by itself, and the gate blazed with light. "Whoa-whoa-WHOA!?" A great wind swallowed the two of them — and the dial's little knob went flying off with a pop.

They landed with a bump. When they opened their eyes — a golden sea of sand, stretching on and on, farther than far. Behind them stood the gate, all alone. But its panel was scorched black, and it made not one single sound. "…Nene, where are we?" The summer sun pressed hot and sharp against their T-shirts.

Not one cloud in the sky. Only the sun — blazing, blazing. Every breath dried their throats a little more. Sweat came, but no wind did. Then, all at once, Kota's head went dizzy. — It was the body's sign for "too hot." But they didn't know that yet.

"Look! There!" Beyond the wavering heat-haze, something glinted at the crest of the farthest dune — the dial's flown-away knob. Without it, there was no way home. So first, they rested in the shadow of a great rock. And into an old canteen, half-buried in the sand, they gathered water from a crack in the stone — drip… drip… — little by little, little by little.

They waited for evening, then began to climb. But for every step up, the sand slid them half a step back. And when the next midday came, when the light burned at its fiercest — Nene's steps wobbled. Her head swayed. That sign. Kota shook the canteen. Splish. …One last sip.

The canteen trembled in his hands. Kota's own throat was burning dry. Nene sank down onto the sand and managed a small, brave smile — though nothing about this was okay. The glinting knob was almost within reach. Give the last sip to Nene? Or drink it himself, and keep the strength to hold her up? What will Kota do?