Wistcoástia (On Hiatus)

Chapter 25: Up and Down the Mountain

Reena: When you hear the word “training camp”, you’ll probably think of a day of exercises—push-ups, sit-ups, running, etc. No. Not exactly. It contains some sort of activities that will make the body stronger, improve stamina and also develop our mental and spiritual state.

Hiking is not an easy business. I already tripped several times. We aren’t even halfway through and my body is already sore and tired all over. I can’t imagine how long it will take us to reach the peak. Mt. Hipkey is 1, 147 meters tall and according to them, we’ll just ride the cable car to return to the resort.

The teachers have split us into groups because if all of the sections are going to hike up the mountain…it will be crazy because we are too many.

Our year is divided into six sections and for today’s hiking trip, we are joined by 2-1, while the other sections will do other activities. Our two sections will be together for three days, doing the same hard activities.

Now we are still currently hiking up the mountain and we are almost halfway through. There are students who are already lagging behind us that I can’t see any more whenever I look behind. I ask myself how I’m doing so far…well, the trek is tough, but I’m still okay.

“Mariella, are you doing fine?” I ask, looking over my shoulder. I see her holding on a low branch of a nearby tree, face pale. I quickly walk over to her with Alexia who also saw what I saw.

“Do you still have some water with you?” Alexia asks as we reach her.

She nods. “I’m still fine. You’re just overreacting. I can still go on. I will catch up on you in a while. You can go on without me.”

“We can’t do that. It’s dangerous. We’ll stay with you.” I say.

“Didn’t you know that it’s scary to be alone in a mountain even it’s still daylight?”

“But—“

“No more buts. We’ll stay with you, Mariella.” Alexia says firmly then she finally agrees.

I look at my watch; it’s already noon.

“Guys, I think they already stopped for lunch.” The group is sure already ahead of us since I can no longer see them. “Why don’t we eat as well?”

“Sure…I’m already starving.” Mariella agrees.

We lean against the tree trunks and eat in silence. I look down at my sandwich. It’s already squished and soggy and doesn’t look appetizing anymore, but to me who’s tired all over, it’s the most wonderful lunch ever.

My food disappears immediately after only 2 or 3 bites. I sigh. I take another one from my bag and finish eating it as fast as the first one. I gulp down some water but with some restraint because we are still going to hike until afternoon.

Before I start feeling sleepy, I stand and look at my two companions who are also finished with their lunches.

“Let’s go…?” I ask and they both nod.

We continue climbing following the trail that our classmates left behind as I lead the way. I concentrate on my surroundings because danger might be lurking somewhere. I can only hear our heavy breathing, the sound of the footsteps and the sounds of the heels of our boots rubbing against the ground.

Chirps of birds can also be heard. We often hear the rustle of the wind which I notice is getting a bit stronger by the minute. Oh well, maybe it’s because we are nearing the top of the mountain. We can only see a bit of light from above because of the canopy of trees.

“Do you think we are already near the top?” Mariella asks. “The wind just gets colder.”

“I think so.” I say. “We might soon be able to catch up with the others.”