Thirty-Two
DroneAfter the quick downpour we left the rock plateau in the fading daylight and headed back down the sloping muddy trail. The hike back was slippery and more than once I reached for a nearby tree to steady myself. The hike back was faster than our ascent, and the usual banter between us silenced by the tragedy that had befallen our little group. The hike back was more crowded than I had intended as I'd planned leaving the others behind in search of help. Yet despite the company I was alone with my thoughts. The guilt and sadness I carried down the trail weighed more than any load in my backpack.
By the time the path leveled off, the black night engulfed us. A small stand of maple trees to the left of the trail appeared as a perfect spot to rest. “Let's stop here.” My voice
