Retreat From Your Storm

Summary

We were mountain camping when Luke texted to meet him at the summit’s old stone chapel. Locals claimed its rusted bell bound couples for life. I hiked straight up without rest.

Inside, the chapel stood empty. Night fell with torrential rain. Shivering in the dark, I huddled there until dawn. Battered and scraped, I limped back to camp the next evening.

Through the trees, Luke sat by the fire, having lost Truth or Dare. A friend asked if he’d ever liked someone besides his girlfriend. His ears reddened; he chugged a beer instead.