In the Distance

by Hernan Diaz

The gale’s force, together with the stinging dust it carried, made up a new element—something that, despite its roughness and dryness, was closer to water than earth and air.

This is true religion—knowing there is a bond among all living things. Having understood this, there is nothing to mourn, because even though nothing can ever be retained, nothing is ever lost.

This was just his face now, creased by the constant squint of someone facing an overwhelming light or an unsolvable problem.