3. Jade
3
JADE
T he sun shines through the windows of my cabin as I lace up my hiking boots, eager to immerse myself in the trails. My nap was a massive disaster. Every time I closed my eyes, images of the annoying mountain man I bumped into in the lobby invaded my dreams.
Beau. Even his name sounds arrogant. Who does he think he is, warning me about the weather like I'm some clueless city girl? I'm a grown woman, not a damsel in distress. I can take care of myself.
I grab my backpack and head out the door, determined to prove him wrong. The mountain air fills my lungs as I start up the trail behind the resort. The path is steeper than I expected, and I can feel the burn in my thighs as I climb. But I welcome the physical exertion. It helps clear my head of any lingering thoughts of Beau.
I need to focus on why I'm really here—to do research for my book. If this novel doesn’t sell well, my publisher will drop me, and then I’ll have to go back to working in retail. I can't let anything distract me from achieving success.
The trail seems to wind on forever as I make my way higher into the mountains. I pause to catch my breath and jot down some notes in my journal. The crisp mountain air, tinged with the scent of pine, fills my lungs. Rugged, snow-capped peaks rise all around me, stretching toward the vivid blue sky.
I can't help but imagine characters in this unforgiving landscape. The protagonist, a strong-willed woman not unlike myself, fighting for survival after her plane crashes in a remote valley. Injured and alone, she battles the elements and her inner demons.
As I continue up the trail, sweat drips down my face and back, dampening my shirt. I'm surprised by how much I'm sweating, considering the elevation. I thought it would be cooler up here. I stop to take a swig from my water bottle and survey my surroundings.
The terrain is growing rockier, the path narrower. I have to watch my footing on the loose stones. My mind wanders as I walk, dreaming up dramatic scenarios to put my characters through. A sudden rockslide that traps the heroine. A twisted ankle that leaves her helpless. A hungry mountain lion stalking her through the trees.
The higher I climb, the more my thoughts drift to the storm Beau and his mother warned me about. Thunder and lightning don't scare me. I've weathered plenty of storms back in Salt Lake City, huddled inside my tiny apartment as rain lashed the windows. How bad can it really be out here?
Besides, a little danger might be exactly what my book needs. If I can capture the raw fury of a mountain tempest on the page, it will add an extra layer of authenticity to my story. My protagonist will have to battle not just the wilderness but the elements themselves.
I can almost hear Beau's voice cautioning me to stay inside tomorrow. But I refuse to let anyone dictate what risks I can and can't take. This is my dream, and I'll chase it however I see fit. If that means venturing into a storm to gather material, so be it.
As I round a bend in the trail, I'm hit by a gust of wind that nearly knocks me off balance. I glance at the sky and notice dark clouds gathering on the horizon. Maybe the storm will arrive sooner than predicted.
A thrill runs through me at the thought. I quicken my pace, determined to reach the summit before the weather turns. I'll show Beau and everyone else that this city girl is tougher than they think.
The path grows steeper and rockier, forcing me to use my hands for balance. Sweat pours down my face, stinging my eyes. My backpack feels heavier with each step, but I push on, fueled by determination and defiance.
Finally, after what feels like hours, I reach the top of the ridge. The view takes my breath away. Jagged peaks stretch out in every direction, their snowy caps gleaming in the sunlight. Far below, I can see the glittering expanse of the lake and the tiny cabins of Heartwood Resort.
I stand there for a long moment, drinking it all in. This is what I came here for - this raw, untamed beauty that will inspire my writing like never before. I can feel the story taking shape in my mind, the characters coming to life against this stunning backdrop.
Let the storm come. I'm ready for it.