By chance

We continue with the publication of the micro-stories of the second edition of the competition: High Altitude Storieswe let you enjoy with "By chance"by Adela Cotillas López.

By chance

-by Adela Cotillas López

It was fortunate that you were waiting on the south face of Annapurna for a window of good weather.

And how fortunate that my colleague knew how to fix that generator, stubborn and Navarrese like its owner, which insisted on not working.

That's how we find ourselves, with us passing through and you doing what you do best: chasing the infinite height.

The Ice Gods, wise and selfish, wanted to wait for you to come up a little higher to compete for your company and your heart of gold.

For several days your companion Horia, made like you of stone and steel, negotiated with them until he lost.

Iñaki, many nights I close my eyes and imagine you there, almost at the summit, sitting with them, watching the stars. I remember what you told me you would do when you came down: "Live day by day". Thus giving me a reason to go for my daily eight-thousanders.

What luck it was to meet you.