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At the peak,you could make a wish.
People prayed for health or lifelong love with their partner.
But few reached the top.
I was one of them.
Years ago,Adam heard the trail’s wishes were potent.
He wanted to pray for a dear relative’s safety.
He climbed step by step,in scorching summer heat.
I watched his face become weak and legs became trembled.
Because of pitying him,I offered to climb for him.
He was touched,promising to cherish me after.
Locals said the climb required sincerity.
I ascended,feet aching halfway.
Gritting my teeth,thinking of Adam’s words,I pushed on.
At the last hundred steps,I crawled and shaked.
Seeing the statue,joy overwhelmed my pain,making it worthwhile.
Blood trailed the steps behind me..
I made two wishes because of my greedy thoughts.
The first wish is belong to Adam:“May Lily be healthy and safe.”
I didn’t know Lily in the past.
Second,mine:“May Adam achieve his dreams,all wishes granted.”
I kowtowed:“May he be with his beloved forever.”
But I’d paved the way for others.
Now,Adam said he’d climb for me.
“Nora,I’ll reach the top and pray for us!”
His words snapped me back.
I frowned my brow.
Determined,he started climbing.
“Nora,they say sincerity works.My love for you is undeniable.Wait for me.”
His shaky legs took the first steps.
Adam wasn’t fit,his doctor’s schedule erratic.
Last time,I climbed for him.
During this period of time, he would come to my home every day to squat on me, and he was also in a daze.
Now things remain the same but people have changed
The trail’s thousand steps loomed.
At a hundred,Adam swayed,near collapse.
I wasn’t foolish enough to wait in the heat.
I left,returning home.
As long as he didn’t die at my door,I didn’t care.
A famous master had blessed my villa.
I didn’t want Adam tainting it.
Without him,I resumed my routine.
I prioritized health,my body once depleted.
Now I drink red date and wolfberry water or codonopsis tea every day.
If I didn’t care for myself,no one would.
Soon,I heard from Adam,long absent.
