An hour later, they reached the base of a towering mountain, its peak touching the sky.
Millie’s eyes widened as she gazed upward.
At the summit, a temple stood, accessible by a vertical elevator that reached all the way up. Marcus purchased tickets and moved towards the elevator, but Millie halted him.
“Aren’t we going to climb the mountain?” she asked, excitement Lacing her words.
Marcus assessed her with a discerning eye and questioned, “Can you handle it?” Concern filled his voice, for the mountain was indeed daunting, and he worried that Millie might tire too quickly.
Follow on NovᴇlEnglish.nᴇt“Let’s give it a try,” Millie replied, though uncertainty tinged her voice.
“Okay,” Marcus agreed, smiling at the thought of them both enjoying the outdoors. It would be good for Millie, he mused, to build up her strength.
Embraced by the sun’s warmth, they began their climb, step by deliberate step. Marcus’ stamina clearly outpaced Millie’s.
After a quarter of the way up, Millie’s breathing grew labored, her cheeks flushed with effort, while Marcus remained composed and steady.
Angela’s Library
Determined, Millie removed her jacket and tied it around her waist, pushing forward despite her weariness.
Marcus offered her water.
“Drink some,” he encouraged.
She sipped the water, the sweetness revitalizing her, infusing her with new energy.
Watching her perspiration, Marcus felt a twinge of regret. He should have chosen the elevator.
“You’re tired, aren’t you?”
Millie glanced at her legs, acknowledging the soreness.
Follow on Novᴇl-Onlinᴇ.cᴏm“Honey, is there a temple up there?”
Marcus nodded affirmatively.
“Yes, there is.”
“I’d Like to pay my respects,” Millie said earnestly.
“We’ve climbed all this way, so our prayers will surely be heard.”
“Is that what’s motivating you to climb?”
Marcus’ smile radiated warmth, his face glowing as if touched by gold in the sunlight.
“Yes,” she affirmed, her eyes gleaming with resolve. The climb had been driven by a deep-rooted motivation, and her wish was already settled in her heart.