The journey continued, and at every scenic vista, they paused to soak in the view.
While enjoying the sights, they didn't forget to capture these moments in photographs.
Jocelyn and Ursula had picked up some chic outfits that were just perfect for photo-ops.
Heads turned wherever Jocelyn went, her beauty undeniable.
Someone had asked for Jocelyn's permission and then tweeted her photos—no front shots, just her profile, and the internet went wild.
In the group photo, Harrison stood beside Jocelyn.
Even though it was a group photo, their striking features and aura managed to draw every eye to them first.
During a break, they all huddled around their phones, scrolling through pictures.
Jocelyn picked a few to send to her folks. Right as she was about to send a group photo with Harrison in it, Daisy called.
They had seen Harrison in the photos.
"Harrison's there too?" Daisy was just making sure.
Jocelyn didn't dodge the question, "Yeah, I only found out he was coming when we met up to leave."
"That's great," Daisy's voice was full of delight. "You should enjoy yourself. Have fun and come back refreshed."
"Sure," Jocelyn replied, pretending not to hear her mother's insinuations.
After the brief break, the team decided to hike Frostpeak, a voluntary challenge not for the faint-hearted.
Ursula was keen, and Jocelyn thought, why not? Having come this far, it was worth a shot.
There were only a few who opted out, and the rest of them prepared their gear, setting off early the next day.
At first, everyone was full of energy, but halfway through, several of the girls began to flag.
Harrison led the way ahead of Jocelyn, constantly glancing back.
Seeing her pause to catch her breath, he reached out his hand to her.
Hesitantly, Jocelyn placed her hand in his.
With a firm grip, Harrison helped her climb, step by step.
Altitude sickness made its presence felt, and many stopped to take in oxygen. Jocelyn struggled to breathe smoothly.
Harrison was always there, taking care of Jocelyn and Ursula.
Ursula, who was faring better, sat watching Harrison hand Jocelyn an oxygen bottle and teased, "Harrison, let me ask you something. If we all ran out of oxygen and you only had one bottle, would you use it or give it to Jocelyn?"
Jocelyn shot Ursula a look.
Ursula, curious for an answer, waited.
Without hesitation, Harrison said, "I'd give it to her."
"Jealous," Ursula giggled. "When will someone gift me such a wonderful friend? I'd marry him on the spot."
Jocelyn rolled her eyes in response.
Harrison turned to Jocelyn, asking, "Feeling any better?"
She nodded.
After resting for a while, they continued on.
Harrison kept a watchful eye on Jocelyn. Suddenly, a cry rang out from ahead, "Avalanche!"
Panic ensued.
Jocelyn's heart raced as she reached for Ursula.
As people from above scrambled down, Harrison turned around and went for Jocelyn.
The snow cascaded down like a flood of flour; no one could outrun it.
In an instant, Jocelyn's world turned white as the avalanche buried her.
In that dizzying moment, a hand gripped her arm fiercely, her waist was secured, and she was flipped upside down, her body slamming against the hard ground, but her head was protected.
The tumbling seemed endless until it abruptly stopped.
Silence enveloped her.
At that moment, Jocelyn was engulfed in darkness, as if she had fallen into an abyss with no way out.
Panic set in; she feared dying there.
She thought of her parents, her students; she hadn't yet married, had so much life ahead...
Was this the end?
She wanted to scream, to call for help, but her voice failed her.
Was she already dead?
Melvin flashed through her mind—the man who had hurt her deeply, the one she'd loved for so long.
Would he cry if he knew she was dead?
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