One More Step To You

Trail Magic

Frank and I were crouched at the stream's edge, water bottles in hand. It was a small stream, but we were happy and eager to see it, as our water had been in desperate need of refilling. I plunged my water bottle beneath the surface, watching the bubbles rise as it filled. I glanced up at Frank, who was next to me, expertly refilling his water bladder with steady, practiced hands.

"You're like a pro at this," I remarked, my tone light and friendly. Ever since that first day on the trail, Frank had been an interesting companion. He was a lawyer — defense — and a pretty good one at that. All of his gear was expensive, things I had looked at but hadn't been able to afford. Despite being a lawyer, who seemed used to luxury, he was doing great out here. He really knew his stuff.

Frank chuckled, his deep voice rumbling as he twisted the cap back onto his bladder. "Years of hiking will do that to you — you pick up a trick or two — and everything gets easier the more you do it. After six months out here, non-stop, you're going to be just as good," he assured me, grinning. "Being out here, though, even after all these years, this place never loses its magic. I wish I had made more time for it."

I nodded, feeling the peacefulness of the moment of this place. The sound of the water rushing, the low hum of voices as everyone chatted, was calming. This was a much-needed break from the strenuous hike of the last few days. "It's kind of incredible out here. You realize how much you don't really need, you know? Clears the mind when the only thing you have to focus on is you, the trail, and your thoughts. No distractions keeping you running."

Frank gave a slow nod, his expression thoughtful. "That's exactly why I keep coming back. My last case was rough — had a kid I really believed in, and the system... just ate him whole. By the time I could even get his case to court, all the fight was out of him. You know, going in, you can't win them all, but when you lose the ones you really want to win, it takes something out of you."

I nodded at him, my hand touching the lower part of his arm briefly. "I imagine that was hard. I'm sorry."

"Hazard of the job," Frank said, sighing. He set his bladder next to his water bottle and then turned to me, smiling. "You know, you remind me a lot of my daughter, Meg."

I blinked, surprised by the comparison and the fact that he had never mentioned a daughter before.

His smile was wistful. "She's around your age. Same kind of spirit, determined to find her own way, make her own decisions. When things get hard, she puts her head down and pushes through. You've got that same kind of spunk. It's... comforting. Makes me feel like I'm not so far away from home, having you here."

I felt a warmth inside me at his words and couldn't help the grin that spread across my face. I had wanted to make friends while out here, but I hadn't planned on these types of connections that felt like they would last well beyond the trail. "Thank you, Frank. That's really sweet, and I'm honored to be compared to your daughter. I'm glad we're friends."

Frank gave a soft chuckle, his eyes drifting out toward the stream. "Likewise, kid. I wasn't sure what to expect when I signed up for this hike. I thought my age would set me apart, but everyone has been really inviting and accepting."

I smiled, nodding in agreement, happy with the easiness between the two of us. I finally finished refilling my own water bladder and stepped back from the stream. He stood up as well, and we moved to a patch of soft grass near the stream, sitting down. We stripped off our shoes and socks and stretched out our legs, both issuing sighs of relief.

I leaned back on my hands, my gaze shifting out along the stream, watching the rest of the group, who were spread out along the bank, filling their own bottles, chatting, snacking. I couldn't see Sarah and Ethan, so I turned my head, looking for them, and a wide smile split my face. They were lying flat on their backs, their legs propped up against the trunk of a tree, deep in conversation. Their shoes were beside them, their bare toes wiggling. They seemed relaxed, and I could hear snippets of laughter coming from them.