193: The Ascent

As the group prepared to ascend the mountain, Emma couldn't hide her incredulity. "Seriously, who thought mountain climbing was a good idea?" Her tone, laced with sarcasm, betrayed her reluctance for the chosen activity. "It seemed like a refreshing change," came the sheepish reply from one of the group, though no one claimed ownership of the idea. Emma, grappling with the morning's confrontation and now this unexpected physical challenge, sighed. "From office chairs to climbing gear... what a transition." The climb began, with Desmond making several futile attempts to walk alongside Emma, each thwarted by the tactful interventions of Viola and the others. Resigned, Desmond lagged, shooting occasional glares at his sister, whose allegiance seemed to lie elsewhere. Emma found herself next to Bauer, their companionship a result of the group's subtle orchestrations rather than any mutual preference for each other's company. Breaking the silence, Emma ventured, "How's Franci