TWENTY-SIX

×Jamie×

I held a nearby tree for support and tried to catch my breath as Higan moved forward effortlessly. Unlike me, who was sweaty and breathless, Higan was calm and dry as though we hadn't been walking for more than an hour.

The tall, dark trees around us had thin branches that spread wide and sunlight from above peeked through the spaces between the small leaves. Being my first time hiking, my feet ached and I was beginning to regret coming along.

"Are we there yet?" I asked as I removed a bottle of water from the side of my bag and took a long gulp.

Higan stopped and looked back at me. "Almost."

"How long is this going to take?"

He chuckled and beckoned. "Come on. Don't give up when we are a few feet from the top."

I sighed in protest but continued to follow him. "You owe me a foot massage."

Higan led me passed the trees and into a clear and grassy place that gave view to the nature below us. I stood in a daze as I drunk in our surrounding and marveled at how breathtaking the s