sunrise

From a number of plot twists to finally reaching Mt. Kalatungan, our three-day climb culminated with a traverse hike to Mt. Wiji.

Mt. Wiji stands at the height of 2819.78 meters above sea level and is located at the southern part of Kalatungan Mountain Range. The mountain is named after the first Japanese who made it into the peak, but locals refer to it as Mt. Lumpanag or Makaupao.

The early morning wind greeted us with a chill and by the time we sipped our coffees, we were wearing layers of clothes and jackets to counter the very cold temperature. We were supposed to start the ascend at 8 am based on our initial itinerary, but Kuya Babu and the guides suggested that we start early for us to witness the sunrise and [probably] the sea of clouds. So there, in the darkness of the dawn, we started our trek.

It was 5 am when streaks of light started painting the sky with shades of pinks and purples. Although Mt. Wiji is less than a kilometer away from Bamboo Camp, the trail going to the peak is very steep. But despite our huffs, pants and coughs, the gorgeous view made it a whole lot easier.

We didn’t mind our aching muscles or joints. We didn’t mind our heavy loads. We didn’t even mind when our knees and chin almost touch with every step. We were just thankful for a blessed day.

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ocean

“Stop saying, ‘It’s just the circle of life’, because life has always been more than a mere series of events that ends at the point at which it began.”

Malcolm stared confusedly, his girlfriend’s sermon stirring chaos to his mind. “English, please?”

Dana rolled her eyes, faking frustration, and leaned her head onto his shoulder. “What I’m saying is, life may be a cycle but it does not repeat itself precisely. The sun goes up and down but each day is different.”

“Just as the waves kiss the shores but each kiss is unique.” He added.

She smiled, knowing exactly where this trick would lead. “You’re not getting a kiss if that’s what you’re thinking.”

Malcolm jerked and he’s suddenly one bended knee in front of her. “Not even chance? Not—

“No.” She interfered, enjoying his exaggerated puppy eyes.

—even when I tell you the sun rises and sets knowing how much I love you but each day I love you a little more? He continued, taking out a ring from his pocket.

“Oh no!” She gasped.

“Oh yes…” He held out the gold band engraved with her name. “Dana, will you watch all sunrise and sunset with me forever?

Word Count: 200

Written for Roger Shipp’s flash fiction challenge, Flash Fiction For the Purposeful Practitioner. Photo credit goes to Pixabay.

This week’s prompt is: “Stop saying ‘It’s just the circle of life’…”

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