I’m looking down a seemingly unending chasm of steep, stone steps. Patterns of ruts appear in expected places, footprints made permanent through time and erosion. Somehow, during the climb up to the top of this temple ruin, I failed to realize I’d have to make my way back down those steps with no railing. Or maybe I’ll stay up here forever.
A young girl, seven or eight years old, hops up and down the steps without fear. She is dark skinned and barefooted, and wearing clothes that are much too big for her small frame. She laughs at me and plays with blue and purple plastic beads. She chases a couple up the steps and giggles as they gingerly decide on the best footing position for this crumbling stone.
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