I never thought a weekend that was supposed to be about conquering a mountain would end up shattering my entire world.My older brother, Jake, had planned this trip for months. A three-day climb up Black Ridge with his college buddies and their girlfriends. I only tagged along because my boyfriend, Tyler, begged me to come. “Babe, it’ll be romantic,” he’d said, kissing my neck in that lazy way that used to make me melt. “Just us, the stars, a tent. I’ll keep you warm every night.”I should have known better.We arrived at the trailhead Friday afternoon. Six of us total: Jake and his girlfriend Mia, two of Jake’s climbing friends, Tyler, and me. The air was crisp, pine-scented, the kind of cold that bites your cheeks and makes you feel alive. I was excited at first. I’d been training for this, hours on the stairmaster, new boots, expensive gear Tyler insisted we buy. I wanted to prove I could keep up.The first day was perfect. Steep switchbacks, laughter echoing through the trees, Tyl
Last Updated : 2025-12-17 Read more