Chapter 18 - THE CLIFF
Emma returned to the mountain seven years after the fall.
By choice.
Hayes went.
Noah stayed with friends.
Emma stood far from the edge.
Her body trembled.
Hayes said nothing.
He knew better now than to rescue every emotion.
Eventually Emma walked closer.
Not to the exact spot.
Enough.
A memorial marker had been installed nearby for mountain-rescue education.
Not about Emma specifically.
General warning.
Emma looked down toward the ledge.
“I thought I was going to die.”
Hayes nodded.
“I thought I was going to lose you the same day I found you.”
Emma looked at him.
“You hadn’t found me yet.”
He smiled sadly.
“I knew your name.”
She laughed.
The title of her own nightmare had become almost absurd.
Then she cried.
Hayes asked:
“Want to leave?”
“Yes.”
They left.
May you like
Healing did not require conquering the cliff.
Only choosing when to walk away.
