"In to my chest now, the sand holding me gently but firmly. I am sinking a little slower, maybe, but still slipping down, going in.

"There's a new breeze blowing into my face, bringing scents from up the shore. Surf, sand, old seaweed, an unfortunate fish rotting somewhere... And under those, land scents. Ploughed soil, dung, plants crushed under foot or hoof. Leaf mould and tree sap, probably from one of the little valley woods near the shore. Very faint, the scent of another canine. I breathe all these in, close my eyes to give them full attention. Messages from the world I'm sinking out of. I'll hold them in memory as I go, take them with me."

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