Don't Read in the Dark

Mind vs. Body

Mount Xiōngsi. One of the most dangerous climbs in the world. Yet here I was, me of all people, moments away from the summit.

The thought of myself actually sticking with something this far, something so challenging, set off a warm glow of pride in my chest.

My friend by my side also takes pride in this extreme feat. Jim dedicated his life to this climb, trained me for it. But we're not there yet, any slip-ups now could cost a life.

Which is when Jim did slip, losing his balancing and over-correcting to send him leaning off the near endless drop. I reached out for him, watching Jim disappear through the cloud cover to flail down, banging against the cliff edge a few times before splattering at whatever bottom he might find. In my mind, I saw this, but the image was briefly interrupted by my hand making contact with Jim, snatching him. I met his wide, honest blue eyes.

You know that moment where you don't know if you can trust your body when your brain is imaging the worst?

I let go.