The emptiness wrapped around me like a thick blanket. I hung, suspended in midair. The wind tugged at my tawny feathers. My hawk eyes watched as a lone horse galloped through the canyon below. I flew lower to look at the man riding on the dappled palomino. Upon seeing me, the tall man cracked an exhausted smile and slowed his sweat-streaked horse. I glided to him to rest on his muscular arm. He stroked my smooth, black beak, murmuring softly. I let my wings droop until they were resting on the man's forearm. We shared one last glance before I took off once more to roam the blue sky, whilst he continued on his long journey.