I stopped near the Cliffside Scenic Area. Since I'd be leaving in two days anyway, I figured I might as well find a place to stay nearby and explore the area one last time—a quiet farewell to the city I had spent the past ten years in.
After settling into a small inn, I retraced the path Alaric and I had walked a decade ago, making my way toward the cliffs.
The roads had been repaved over the years, but the cliffs remained as steep and treacherous as ever.
Using a hiking stick for support, I climbed slowly, step by step.
Ten years ago, Alaric and I had walked this same path, hand in hand, laughing and talking the whole way up. The climb hadn't felt tiring at all.
But now, walking alone, the trail felt endless.
When I finally reached the summit, the view that once seemed breathtaking
