Redsand Canyon the day pressed on like crushing weights

They left.

It was his choice to follow after them or to stay behind, and so he stayed, minding the canyon by his lonesome if he had to. There was no reason that Sivugat could understand that made Nyra leave; he did not trust the road outside of this red place, and so the boy did not go anywhere.

He stuck to the communal den for a day or two, lounging in his solitude. He took to timing himself and racing about the place as a means of entertainment, counting methodically until he grew bored. Mindless, and now hungry, Sivugat paced outside to where he knew others had traced patrols along the heights.

Somewhere he would find a cache and dig it up. Perhaps there was one by the pool of water — so Sivugat's life went, taking his time to meet his needs and making choices for himself. It was a new experience to be sure, and one he wasn't keen about.