The Ascent
"I just can't wait to make s'mores by the bonfire!" Zayne beamed, his voice vibrating as the bus jostled us over the uneven mountain road.
"Just imagine if we run into a big grizzly bear!" Aaron chimed in excitedly, throwing his arms out as dramatically as ever.
Kai just smiled and shook his head, looking out the window at the darkening pines. "Let's not get too overboard now. We’re here to camp, not be a bear’s dinner."
After weeks of impatient begging, the school had finally agreed to take us on our most-awaited trip high into the mountains. My friends and I had been exhilarated—most probably the first ones to turn in our money. The bus radiated with laughter and expectancy. I felt my body pushing against the seat as the bus ascended the rocky cliffs, the world below disappearing into a void of shadows.
The higher we scaled, the darker the sky got, engulfing the horizon in creeping gloom. The forest certainly looked more sinister at night than during the day. However, I had Aaron and Zayne, who glowed like the sun itself on the bus, making me feel lighthearted.
“Do you remember the time when Aaron totally freaked out thinking a street cat was the Slender Man!?” Zayne cackled like a hysterical witch.
“Oh please! You'll be the one crying your eyes out when we race in the woods tonight!” Aaron retorted with a huff, a smirk pulling at his lips.
Kai and I shared a meaningful glance at their bustling chatter. We played games until my eyes fluttered and a yawn escaped my lips. Darkness overtook me as I fell into a deep slumber.
