Journey

Two coaches drove from the city toward the countryside, with Eucali and Hesta seated in the second-to-last row.

Not long after setting off, a lively young man near the driver began loudly cracking jokes for everyone. The crowd burst into laughter. Then people started singing, different people standing up to lead one song after another... The harmonies were so beautiful that Eucali, caught up in them, felt a sting in her nose.

It began to rain midway through the ride. Fine autumn rain streaked the windows with countless fleeting trails of water, and Eucali watched the patterns they made. Beside her, Hesta rested with a bucket hat covering her eyes.

"Where were we going again?" Eucali asked softly.

"Bianchun Mountain," Hesta replied.

"It was a two-hour drive, right?"

"Mm."

Eucali let out a very soft sigh.

Hesta took off her hat and turned toward her. "What's wrong?"

Eucali shook her head.

"Do you need the bathroom? There's a rest stop in the middle. We should be there in another twenty minutes or so."

"No." Eucali smiled and looked out the window. "...I just really like this part of the journey."

The autumn rain came and went. When everyone got off at the foot of the mountain, they happened to catch a break in the rain, allowing them to calmly sort through their luggage. Eucali saw many people taking collapsible trekking poles from their bags. They looked very professional. Leaning against Hesta's side, she asked, "...Did you bring one of those walking sticks?"

"No," Hesta said quietly. "I forgot."

"It should be fine if we don't have them, right?"

"Do you need one?" Hesta looked at her. "They seem to sell them by the entrance."

"...Will they be expensive?"

"No." Hesta dropped her backpack onto the ground. "Watch this for