THE MOUNTAIN 

By Tessa Harvey

    But Steven noticed she hadn't answered his question. "Shall we keep climbing?" Peggy asked instead. "Best wait." Steven tried for politeness. "Let's have a break and some food and drink. Maybe this cloud stuff will clear."

    They shared supplies. "This ginger cake is marvellous," commented Steven, munching appreciatively.

    "This water is refreshing," responded Peggy, gathering up discarded wrappers, folding them in her bag. "We have to go or we lose our cars," she added.

    "What!" Steven was startled and angry. He stood up too quickly and swayed slightly, disoriented by the still-thick mist. He was aware of his companion reaching a steadying hand towards him.

    "Let's go." Steven rallied. And that moment a cool wind freshened. The fog began to dissipate. Within minutes visibility was rapidly returning. The hearts of the young people lifted. This was doable!

    "This way," called Peggy. "I have been here once." She set off, determinedly at a firm pace, looking ahead. But Steven saw virtually impossible scree. "Let's move left a little," he countered, unwilling to directly challenge Peggy. Perhaps she had mis-remembered the route, but he had an odd feeling she was lying.

    At the rate they were moving, refreshed by their enforced stop and by the food and drink, Steven believed they would reach the summit in less than an hour. The weather was now so clear he was sure the view would be spectacular.

    After about thirty minutes, they both rested. Peggy was delighted with the tiny flowering plants bordering their trail. They were like tiny jewels of pink, turquoise, sapphire and gold. Their leaves were also small, either able to direct water to the plant roots or absorb and store it. 

    "How much did you have to pay those youths to look after your vehicle?" Steven asked Peggy. "Fifteen dollars." "But it isn't even busy. They can't make enough to make it worthwhile." Both youngsters were uneasy. it was a strange sort of scam.