Jaunt of A Lifetime- Chapter 01

What can be better than having morning tea at an open restaurant before the magnificent Eiffel tower. Yes, the scene is placed in the land of romance, France. The beauty of the scene consists of a vermillion sun stretching its rays, embracing as far as you could see, also a bouquet of clouds perfecting the view. There at the table sits John, his childhood friend, Sean and Sean's beloved, Mia.

This pleasant day with friends gave birth to the idea of trekking. So, in the very moment, it was decided impetuously. Along the discussion came two men, who seemed too willing to join this little expedition, claiming to be great guides. Hence the plan was jotted together that they five, on five, for five days were going on trekking. On another pleasant day, they were off to the legendary GR20 Trail, Corsica, a place no lesser than heaven.

It was September and the trees had started to discard their leaves. They looked aesthetic in the sun but under the moon, fierce. John and his group took a wagon to GR20 Trail. Jones and Ruth, the guides were in another. Throughout the trip John had to hear Sean's and Mia's everlasting talks

Mia: You know Sean I always wanted to go on a trip with you.

Sean: Same here dear!

Mia: It's autumn and these trees look ferocious, (looking outside the window).

Sean: They are not ferocious, there is beauty in every creation of god. Especially you!

Mia: (blushing) You are so sweet.

John was feeling obnoxious (yeah, he is aside).

John (aside): How can these two be so naïve. Half a year they fight each other, the other half they treat each other as king and queen. Is that love? If so, god keep me away from it, please!!

Sean: You said something John?

John: No! definitely no!

Sean: I just thought you did.

John: No! I did not. It must be flies. There are quite a few in the wagon as well.

Sean: (clapping to kill the flies) Yeah! There are.

After a few hours they reached Corsica. They stopped at a hotel. Jones came upto John.

Jones: Your group should get a medical checkup.

Ruth: Yeah, it's important, trekking is not everyone's piece of cake.

John: Well, we are all in good shape, there is no need.

Sean: Yes, we are in our best state. We can go trekking now.

Mia: We are good. There is no need for lags.

Jones: It's up to you people. Most of the people lose their senses halfway to Monte Onto.

Ruth: there can be many problems if you lack the efficiency needed for trekking.

They all thought for a moment and agreed. All was done till evening and it was decided that early morning was perfect to go for a little adventure. They went to rest in their respective rooms for the rest of the night.

It was midnight, when John was fast asleep with real satisfaction. There were a number of knocks at the door, which turned into banging. John thought to himself that someone was trying to break the door. Why not, it was good hard wood and beautifully made. John opened the door and saw Sean standing in front of him.

It was sure from John's expression that he had been awakened from a very sound sleep and also that he didn't expect Sean's mischievousness. It was obvious that John expected Sean to have a strong reason for this midnight run or John was ready to knock him down for a night or forever.

It was disclosed by Sean that he had gone to Mia's room as he had some important issue to talk over with her (obviously a lie), but Mia did not open the door or even respond to him. John was still very sleepy but his knuckles were fully awakened and he felt like breaking some nuts.

John: You've got some guts, ruining my night for such a thing. 'Mr. patient of Alzheimer's, don't you remember Mia takes sleeping pills else she can't sleep.' You should really stop referring to yourself as her boyfriend.

Sean looked slightly shocked.

Sean: But I still think we should see for once.

John: No, I'm not going. You feel like visiting, there's a window ten feets high from outside. you can go and climb if you like.

Sean's face drooped and with that he left John for the rest of the night. The rest of the night went by with John finding his lost sleep. He failed but couldn't do anything.

After the night passed it was the time to leave for moving uphill. Sun was rising and everyone was to get ready and rendezvous at reception. Mia was missing. They went to her room where they found a do not disturb tag on the door with a note.

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