(miniflash story)

A blinding flash of light, then darkness. When a girl opened her eyes, she found herself immersed in the creeping sand. The sun beat down mercilessly, casting long shadows across the endless dunes. She was alone, utterly alone. The only structure in the middle of the nowhere was a giant tower, reaching up to the heavens.

The only thought flashed in her head: “This day was not supposed to end up like this.”

A vague figure caught her attention: a woman, dressed in flowing white robes, stopped in front of her face. Her hair was a cascade of golden curls, and her dark eyes held a knowing glint. The girl watched as the woman gestured with her hands; her movements were fluid and graceful. That was something more than a dance. Yet instead of the sound of soft, rustling cloth she expected, there was a deafening, disconcerting silence.

A piercing look: the wilderness, the ancient women, the endless tower.

While the girl was unable to protest, the women escorted her to the building. It was clear by her signs: the women tried to help.

Overwhelmed, she climbed the winding stairs and couldn’t help but think of the tale. The Tower of Babel, where God punished humanity for their arrogance by confounding their speech so that they can no longer understand each other. But here, it seemed, the punishment was different, the world existed in eternal silence.

No spoken or written communication. No sound of swirling sand or rushing wind. Nothing.

At the top of the tower, the girl stood alone, watching the endless dust below. She tried to mimic the gestures she had observed and raised her hands to the sky. Then she heard it — a vibrant song. The woman, she saw before, was playing a melodious instrument. Her fingers danced across the strings, creating a harmony that filled the air.

And once again: a blinding flash of light, then darkness.