What if the saints of old walked among us today-would we honor their triumphs, or whisper about their secrets?
Zarinna knows the weight of hidden truths. Once devoted, now marked by choices she cannot undo, she carries shame like a shadow she cannot...
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Zarinna struggled to take another step, releasing a long, weary sigh as her eyes finally caught sight of Principal Dawayen striking the ground with the white flag he held—an unmistakable signal of their arrival.
"So," Zarinna exhaled shakily, "this... is the hiking you were talking about?"
Gina chuckled beside her, a bright, teasing sound. "Oh, Zarinna... no. This isn't even a real hike yet!"
"Really? It's not? Then what does a real hike look like? We've been trudging uphill for, what... forty minutes?"
Gina shook her head, laughing. "This is why I always tell you to eat more! You're way too thin—that's probably why your energy disappears after ten steps."
"Or maybe I'm just not cut out for this," Zarinna countered, sinking down onto a large rock beside Gina.
"Whatever," Gina rolled her eyes playfully. "But I'll make it my personal mission starting today to fatten you up!"
Zarinna laughed, still trying to catch her breath, as they watched the other faculty members trickle into the camping venue.
"Okie dokie, then!" Zarinna beamed. "I must say, though... this place is breathtaking! Actually—literally breath-taking. I'm still trying to catch mine," she muttered, fanning her shirt against her skin.
"What, do you have asthma or something?" Ma'am Mel's warm voice cut in as she joined them on the rock.
"Oh, no! Just... a little tired, Ma'am Mel," Zarinna replied.
"You sure? You look like you need medical attention," Gina teased.
"Oh, you two stop," Zarinna groaned, shaking her head. "Why do you always have to make fun of me? Are you that sporty?"
"Calm down, dear!" Ma'am Mel chuckled. "Though I have to agree—this place is stunning. Even better than last year's venue."
Zarinna nodded, watching as the two teachers recounted past camping trips, their voices a mix of nostalgia and warning. Excitement mingled with trepidation in her chest as she wondered what physical feats awaited them.
Her gaze wandered to the wide clearing surrounding them. The ground was a lush carpet of grass, glowing in vibrant green beneath the dimming sky. Scattered rocks punctuated the landscape, and the trees surrounding the clearing stood like silent guardians—majestic pillars holding up the sky.
They had left the school at exactly 4:30 p.m., riding for about twenty minutes to the foot of the hill. After less than an hour of climbing, they had finally arrived, just as the sun began its descent behind the horizon.
"Alright, kakadwa!" Principal Dawayen's voice carried through the clearing, deep and commanding. "I assume you've rested from the walk. Let's start setting up our tents!" The faculty responded in chorus, bustling with activity, laughter, and the rustle of canvas.
