An hourter, they reached the base of a towering mountain, its peak touching the sky.
Millie’s eyes widened as she gazed upward.
At the summit, a temple stood, essible by a vertical elevator that reached all the way up. Marcus
purchased tickets and moved towards the elevator, but Millie halted him.
“Aren’t we going to climb the mountain?” she asked, excitement Lacing her words.
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Marcus assessed her with a discerning eye and questioned, “Can you handle it?” Concern filled his
voice, for the mountain was indeed daunting, and he worried that Millie might tire too quickly.
“Let’s give it a try,” Millie replied, though uncertainty tinged her voice.
“Okay,” Marcus agreed, smiling at the thought of them both enjoying the outdoors. It would be good for
Millie, he mused, to build up her strength.
Embraced by the sun’s warmth, they began their climb, step by deliberate step. Marcus’ stamina clearly
outpaced Millie’s.
After a quarter of the way up, Millie’s breathing grewbored, her cheeks flushed with effort, while
Marcus remainedposed and steady.
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Determined, Millie removed her jacket and tied it around her waist, pushing forward despite her
weariness.
Marcus offered her water.
“Drink some,” he encouraged.
She sipped the water, the sweetness revitalizing her, infusing her with new energy.
Watching her perspiration, Marcus felt a twinge of regret. He should have chosen the elevator.
“You’re tired, aren’t you?”
Millie nced at her legs, acknowledging the soreness.
“Honey, is there a temple up there?”
Marcus nodded affirmatively.
“Yes, there is.”
“I’d Like to pay my respects,” Millie said earnestly.
“We’ve climbed all this way, so our prayers will surely be heard.”
“Is that what’s motivating you to climb?”
Marcus’ smile radiated warmth, his face glowing as if touched by gold in the sunlight.
“Yes,” she affirmed, her eyes gleaming with resolve. The climb had been driven by a deep-rooted
motivation, and her wish was already settled in her heart.