The Ancient City

The sun beat down on her, its rays reflecting off the rocks in shimmering waves of heat. Clara walked on, her canteen almost empty, her throat parched and dry.

Suddenly, the path opened up into a small canyon, its walls towering above her. Clara's eyes widened as she saw a spring bubbling out of the rock face, its crystal-clear waters cascading down into a small pool.

She rushed forward, dropping to her knees to drink from the pool's edge. The water was cool and sweet, reviving her spirits and quenching her thirst. Clara rested there for a moment, her eyes closed, feeling the peacefulness of the canyon wash over her.

But as she rested, she knew she couldn't linger. The path continued on, leading her deeper into the mountains, and Clara felt an insistent tug to follow it. She stood up, shouldering her pack, and continued on her journey.