Richie stood there, letting his thoughts run wild, unable to make sense of anything. He had even forgotten he had mind reading.
Si Ang found Richie's expression a little funny, but he had no intention of teasing him.
"Richie, let's skip school this afternoon and go have some fun, okay?
I know there's a valley near school that's full of maple leaves in autumn. It's really beautiful. Think of today as a chance to clear your head. We'll go back this evening."
Richie was puzzled. "Why did you bring me out here?"
"Don't worry! I asked someone in our class to get us excused. They'll say you're having another episode."
Si Ang explained so Richie wouldn't worry.
"Anyway, that valley full of maple leaves is really close. Once we climb to the top of this little hill, we'll be able to see the whole thing. You'll definitely be back before school lets out. Trust me."
Si Ang had already started climbing. He held out his hand to Richie, who stood below the steps.
Richie didn't take Si Ang's hand, but he followed him.
The blazing afternoon sun scorched the earth.
The trees on the hill were dense, so it didn't feel particularly hot beneath them.
Still, climbing took some effort, and beads of sweat covered both boys' noses and foreheads.
Along the narrow mountain path, stone steps stretched deep into the woods.
Sunlight filtered through the swaying leaves, scattering patches of light and shade across the ground.
After they had climbed for a long time without reaching the top, Richie couldn't help asking,
"Si Ang, why aren't we there yet? I feel like we've been climbing for almost an hour and a half.
You said this was just a little hill. An hour should've been enough."
At Richie's question, Si