By Enrico Maso, translated into English by Ruth Stephens
Chapter 4 – Towards the shelter
Two days later the three friends are ready for the new excursion. This time the backpacks are heavier as they contain food for the evening meal.
“Have you brought your sleeping bag?” Mattia asks Riccardo.
“Of course!” he replies.
“Ok, ok, sorry, I forgot you’re an old hand now!” laughs Mattia.
“Come on lads, stop that!” laughs Giulio, “Save your breath for later.”
The banter between the group is good humoured and they set off full of confidence. The weather is good but not exceptional. Mattia looks at the clouds on the horizon.
“I don’t like the look of those clouds, “ he says to the others.
Riccardo laughs. “Ah, come on, don’t look for excuses. If you’re tired, say so!”
“You feeling strong? You can carry my rucksack if you like,” replies Mattia.
“Hey, who’s being touchy!” says Giulio with a laugh.
Laughing and joking, they follow the path into the silence of the forest. When the path becomes steeper they stop talking; now there is only the sound of their breathing.
Riccardo’s backpack begins to weigh heavily but he must keep going. He can’t weaken in front of Mattia. In fact both Mattia and Giulio are very tired but no one wants to suggest a break.
After a while Giulio says “Shall we stop and check the map? Then we can see how far we’ve come.”
The three throw their rucksacks on the ground and open the map. There is still a long way to go and it’s getting colder. The clouds are lower than before and they can no longer see into the distance.
“Hey, look!” says Mattia, suddenly, “it’s starting to snow!”
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