Here and now

We continue with the publication of the micro-stories of the first edition of the competition: High Altitude StoriesWe let you enjoy with "Here and now", by Laura Boneta González.

Here and now

-by Laura Boneta González-

3:30 the alarm clock goes off. What am I doing here? Why do I like it here? I switch on the headlamp and go out. Outside the room everything speeds up, there is a certain nervousness mixed with enthusiasm. People are crowded in the hall of the refuge preparing backpacks, boots, harness, ropes... Last check, it's very windy... We look at each other and see what each of us is thinking, but we're here and we're going to try. We go out and when we cross the door, peace, tranquillity... We only hear the wind, our footsteps and thoughts. We are alone with ourselves. It's cold, but with every step we warm up. We sense that we are reaching the pass where the climb will begin. Suddenly, Íñigo exclaims "Wow, what a fucking marvellous thing! My heart races, my pace quickens and I run... And there, contemplating an orange and pink sunrise between mountains, I know why I like this and that here and now is where I want to be.