Chapter 11: Balloon Ride

Renee

Renee wouldn't admit it to Damon, but she was actually enjoying the balloon ride. The land stretched out before them like a huge kid's playground. Surreal. The Hoodoos, or fairy chimneys, looked as though they'd emerged from a different land and were dropped there by mistake-like they spilled from a giant's sack as tan, whipped cream dollops. They were thicker at the bottom, some with cone-like tapered tops reminding her of phallic symbols. Ancient people carved rooms and homes in the Hoodoos and people still lived in them. Restaurants and hotels occupied them as well.

In the distance, the mountains and rivers cradled the land.

"Ho!" Gary called from his and Michael's hot air balloon a few yards away.

Renee waved to them, smiling.

Michael waved back, then put his arm around Gary, pointing out something below them. Renee turned away, watching the world grow smaller as they flew.