Eyes glowing like stars, the night blew softly at the fleeing figure of the boy, seeing if it could push him along faster with its musk breath of dew-moistened earth. Then it inhaled deeply and blew strong and straight, flittering leaves in its path to its prey. The boy ducked, shivered and pumped his knees all the harder for home.

The night laughed and treefrogs and crickets shut still at the sound.