The season was still autumn.

The leaves of early greenery had finally begun to change color, and fallen leaves were scattering along the paths.

We ascended the quiet trail for what felt like an eternity.

There was no time to admire the beautiful scenery or the picturesque landscape.

All I could hear was the faint sound of labored breathing.

A group of more than ten people trudged forward, their exhaustion evident.

Even the grumbling and complaints that had persisted until yesterday had vanished.

With our destination so close, there was no energy left to voice discomfort.

The journey had been …