Once, There was A Library in my Closet

The Missing Children of the Mountain Trench

[[CONTENT WARNING: THIS CHAPTER MAY BE DISTURBING TO SOME READERS - READ AT YOUR OWN RISK]]

I was reported missing not long after I set out on my expedition to the north peak of the mountain. I only know this because I have heard many helicopters flying above where I now stay. I am unable to see them, and they have been unable to find me. Without a doubt, my footsteps have long since vanished with the cold wind.

Dec 30 - This is the day I set out! With all the time in the world to prepare, I now have all the time in the world to explore. I've packed my bag, studied the route, and trained my beloved dog Oscar the dangers and feats he will encounter. My husband is worried about Oscar's safety, mainly since he is a lot less likely to know how to climb the mountain, but I insisted. He's gone on adventures with me since day one, and he's only gotten stronger, smarter, and happier from them all. I will need some quiet when traveling the mountain but Oscar's company will surely be soothing.

Dec 31 - Husband has dropped me and Oscar off at the base of the mountain yesterday, said his goodbyes, and left us to deal with the mountain. Sweet dear Husband was worried about us, and wanted to go with, but he knew he couldn't in his already sick-from-the-cold condition. Instead, he had offered to take our daughter to the new year's festival among other fun father-daughter bonding plans set out until I returned. He is such a good husband.

As I write this, Oscar and I are in our tent a good few miles up the mountain. As of now, even the nights we are surrounded in aren't very cold, but this mountain is supposed to cloak us in snow near the top. My heart isn't too set on reaching the top, you see. I understand that Oscar is still a dog, and even with all the cute little dog shoes and sweaters in the world, the mountain is cruel to animals that don't belong. That being said, I'm sure I won't let myself reach the top if I see Oscar isn't holding up too well.

He seems very happy right now, nonetheless. He has that glint in his wide eyes whenever he's out on his adventures with me. As expected on the first day, he trotted nearly the whole way with a prance in each step. 

Jan 1 - Oscar kept me warm last night. It was nice. He always curls up with me at night. It makes Husband so jealous sometimes. I give Oscar a bit of kibble, eat my share of breakfast, then take down the tent so we can keep heading up the mountain. 

The thing about this mountain is that the trail set before us is actually rather safe compared to Everest and other mountains. There aren't supposed to be a lot of dangerous spots to climb over, or steep walls to climb up, or anything like that. It's, in a way, a "beginner" mountain. I use it because I've never climbed a mountain alone before, and Oscar has never been near one period.

Whatever trail I'm speaking of, however, is merely the weathered side of the mountain that people are supposed to climb. The rest is more of a challenge. 

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Another few hours, another several miles, another happy day with Oscar. Like yesterday, today's progress was very relaxed. There was definitely some steepness that kept my legs at a constant push with every step, but the cool temperature felt refreshing enough to keep me moving. Oscar took the liberty in protecting me from a small flock of birds resting on the ground. His barks gave me strength. Although, I didn't expect myself to already miss Husband and Daughter so much already... I have no doubt that they are having fun - Husband was always so good with kids - but it felt strange going even a single night without my little girl trying to curl up in our bed with her every nightmare. That isn't going stop me, though. I'm still going to take this break to the fullest extent. 

Jan 3 - I had a full day of panic yesterday, when I really felt the anxiety of being away from Daughter. I miss her so, so much. Things had been going through my head like any mother would think. What if this happened? What if that happened? What if they need me? What if Husband forgot this? I had  heard on the news a month before leaving that there was a kidnapper on the loose. I hadn't even payed attention to it until yesterday.