You scan the sand in front of you, and for once, something sticks out. It is a piece of paper. Most of it is buried, but its edges are free to flap against the surface of the dune. Of course, it is little more than a mirage to you the first time you see it. It is so white that it looks like a little piece of sunlight that has fallen down to slip in between the sand grains. You stare at it for a moment. It is striking against the orange  desert. There is nothing to gain by leaving it there, so you bend down to pick it up. The page folds around the side of your hand. It is thin, ready to crack and fall away beneath your fingertips.
You begin to read: you scan the sand in front of you, and for once, someth--there is a sharp gust of wind and the page is shattered. You watch the pieces tumble over the sand until they disappear and all you can see is orange. You keep walking.