Chapter 34 The Mountain Air
Elena POV
My fingers felt stiff as I gripped a thick wool sweater and shoved it into the bottom of my duffel bag. Every movement in the quiet of my room felt heavy. I reached for a pair of jeans on the bed, but a sudden wave of dizziness forced me to lean my weight against the mattress. I stayed there for a moment, eyes closed, waiting for the room to stop tilting. The hospital had discharged me, but my body still felt like it was recovering from a long fall.
The door creaked open, and Grandma walked in. She held a ceramic cup of water and a small white tablet. She walked straight to the nightstand and set the cup down with a sharp, echoing clack.
"Take it," she said. Her voice was flat, leaving no room for excuses.
I picked up the pill and swallowed it, the medication scratching the back of my throat before the water washed it down. I wiped my mouth with the back of my hand, feeling the cold moisture.
"Are you really sure about this, Elena?" she asked. Her voice was steady, but her eyes were fixed on the pale tint of my skin. "The mountains are cold, and the air is thin. You aren’t exactly at your best right now. Nobody would blame you for staying home and resting."
I didn't answer right away. I picked up the small white pill, popped it into my mouth, and took a long swallow of water. The coolness hit the back of my throat, forcing me to stay grounded.
"I’m sure, Grandma,” I said, setting the cup down. I forced myself to stand properly, hiding the slight shake in my hands. “I’m fine. If I stay inside this house any longer, I’ll feel like I can’t breathe. I just need some fresh air and to feel normal again."
"If you start feeling dizzy, tell someone immediately. Don’t keep it to yourself or try to act tough."
"I will," I promised.
Fast footsteps echoed up the wooden stairs before Liam appeared at the doorway. He already had on his thick jacket and boots. His eyes moved from my bag to my face, like he was checking if I was really okay. Without saying anything, he bent down, grabbed my suitcase, and lifted it onto his shoulder.
"Time to move," he said. "The bus leaves in twenty minutes."
Grandma followed us toward the hallway, her hand resting on the banister. "The cardigans! The thick ones I put in the side pocket! If I hear you were shivering, you'll have to answer to me."
Liam stopped at the top of the stairs and turned back, standing tall with a mock-stiff salute. "Yes, Your Majesty!"
I joined in, clicking my heels together. "Yes, Your Majesty!"
A small smile appeared on Grandma’s face as she waved us toward the door. We headed downstairs and stepped into the cold morning air. Liam placed the bags in the trunk, and we got into the car before driving away.
When we arrived at the school, the atmosphere was chaotic. Three large yellow buses were idling, sending plumes of white exhaust into the grey sky.
Students were everywhere, shouting to friends, throwing gear into storage compartments, and checking their hiking boots.
As I stepped out of the car, a shadow fell over me. Daniel was standing there, his arms crossed over a dark jacket. He looked me up and down with a narrow, calculating gaze.
"I didn't actually expect to see you here," Daniel said, his voice low and blunt. He walked closer, forcing me to look up at him. "How is your health, Elena? You look like a stiff breeze could knock you over.
Are you sure this trip isn't going to break you? High altitude isn't a joke for someone who just got discharged."
"I'm stronger than I look, Daniel," I replied, pulling my jacket tighter around my neck.
"We'll see about that when we hit the first incline," he muttered. He reached out and snatched my smaller carry-on bag from my hand, his expression unreadable.
Before I could respond, a high-pitched voice cut through the noise of the idling buses. "Elena! You made it!"
Seraphina came running toward us in her bright pink hiking outfit, looking way too excited this morning. She stopped right in front of me and grabbed my shoulders, practically bouncing with energy.
"I am so excited!" she squealed, ignoring Daniel’s annoyed look. "Can you believe we’re finally going? I’ve been awake since four in the morning just thinking about the cabin assignments and the campfire. How are you feeling? Are you ready? You look a little pale, but the mountain air is going to fix that right up!"
"I'm okay, Seraphina," I said, trying to steady myself as she shook me slightly. "Just a bit tired."
"Well, don't worry! I brought extra snacks, those high-energy bars, and a portable charger," she continued, her words coming out in a blur. "And I have a whole list of ghost stories for tonight. It’s going to be the best trip ever. I was so worried you’d stay home, but look at us! We’re actually doing it!"
She kept talking, detailing every single thing she had packed—from three different types of sunscreen to a pair of binoculars she’d borrowed from her uncle. Her excitement was exhausting, but it made the trip feel more real.
Mr. Miller stood by the door of the lead bus, his clipboard snapping against his thigh. "Bags underneath! Carry-ons only! If it doesn't fit on your lap, it doesn't go on the bus!"
Liam and Daniel disappeared into the crowd to secure the heavy luggage. Seraphina waved goodbye as she ran off to find her own bus group, shouting something about meeting up at the first rest stop.
"Let’s go, Elena," Liam said, reappearing and nudging me toward the metal steps.
I climbed the stairs and followed Liam to the middle of the bus. I took the window seat while he sat beside me. A moment later, the doors closed and the bus started moving. I rested my head against the window and watched the school slowly disappear behind us.
Liam shifted in his seat, trying to find space for his legs. "Look, if you feel even a little off when we hit the trail, you tell me. I’m not playing, Elena. I’ll carry you and your bag if I have to."
I let out a tired laugh, turning away from the window. "You’re going to be exhausted before we even reach the campsite if you keep worrying. I told you, I’m—"
"Excuse me? Can I exchange my seat with yours?"
The voice came from the aisle, and I stopped mid-sentence. I turned around, my hand gripping the headrest. I looked up at the person standing there, and my jaw dropped. I stared in total shock.