A Journey to the Summit

by Lola L.

In an early morning, when the first ray of sunlight hits on the window, I woke up from bed and started the warm day. 

“It’s time to wake up!” said my mom, gently pushing open the door and nudged me. 

“I am already awake… “ I sat up from bed, and rubbed my eyes hazily. 

“Okay, okay,” she said, coming to my side and packed some things up for me. “Come on, don’t be late!” 

I threw back the covers and leapt out of bed. Shortly afterwards, I was ready to go, after breakfast. 

We started off to the mountain as my family and I were prepared. 

A lengthy period of time in the car finally led us to another world. Another colorful, brilliant world. 

A variety of greenish trees and gorgeous flowers covered the huge mountain: thick and dense, small and thin, green and brown, yellow and red …. The gentle breeze went through my hair and patted my face, bringing me a cool feeling in the hot summer. Whizzes of wind and fragrance of flowers soothed my nervous mood. The hike was brisk and cozy. I wished it could last for days, months, years, or forever …. 

Nevertheless, an increasing sense of weariness had me almost giving in. Gazing at the endless-looking stairs, I bent down, and sighed eventually: “Holy cats, we are not seemingly able to achieve this! Let’s not stick on it ….. We are good enough already, aren’t we?” 

“Don’t give up halfway, remember our last time on Mount Wutai? We can make it!” said my brother. 

Our trip to Mount Wutai was truly attractive —  we took a bunch of photos there. Two hours of hiking and we were still vigorous. We reached the top at last, and that really gave me a sense of accomplishment. However, these memories did not encourage me that much. I was exhausted, and it felt like walking with rocks tied on both of my legs. I remained hesitating. 

Just then, my dad came up to me and tapped me at my shoulder. “I know you are tired, we’ve been walking for three hours already. You can take a break whenever you want, but the stairs aren’t what defeats you, right? Let’s get some rest first. We are only half an hour away from the summit!” 

Subsequently, we sat down and relaxed for a while. Within those moments, my dad and brother joked around all through, apparently on account of my melancholic face.  It was a poor performance, but a touching one for me. I was rekindled. 

Just like so, we continued the journey.  This time, I did not feel much weariness. Or, in other words, I was not afraid of the difficulty any more. With the encouragement of my family, we finally finished the last 30 minutes. 

Under the warm, shiny sunlight, we strode over the last few stairs and achieved the summit. Looking down from the mountain, the towering trees, skyscrapers and little birds, flowers came into sight, resembling an elaborate painting. Just as hiking requires endurance, life demands resilience. Every step I took was a sign of my growth, and every decision I make brings me a different life.