Not this time

We continue with the publication of the micro-stories of the third edition of the competition: High Altitude Storieswe let you enjoy with "Not this time"by Alejo García Iñesta.

Not this time

-by Alejo García Iñesta

It had been two days since his sheltered silhouette had become a red dot in the snow. Soon a gale had slipped through the surrounding needles to strike without warning over the camp. Hours without seeing the sun, unable to worry for my safety wondering where I would be; if I had even been wiped off the ridge like a speck of dust.

When the first light broke through the dark cloak that covered us, we set off in search of it, in a slow progression through the virgin snow.

For three weeks we had waited patiently for that longed-for window of good weather. Determined to fulfil a dream, she had set off alone towards the peak, which was now dressed in pristine white, with no trace of her.

We found her huddled in the snow, waiting for me to come home, her breath barely audible.

Although we never returned to the place, that mountain was present on every ascent.