“Osama, help me close the suitcase,” Dad called out as they wrapped up the final packing for their camping trip in the mountains.

Unspoken joy spread amongst the family of four. This trip had been planned for ages and it was finally coming true. The itinerary had been discussed repeatedly till everyone had it memorised.

It was decided that the family would leave at the crack of dawn the next day, drive to the hotel, drop off their luggage and meet their tour guide there. Together, they would set off on a five-hour-long hiking on a trail, carrying only the essentials. They were expected to reach the campsite by evening, where they would rest and spend the night enjoying a campfire and playing camping games.

At sunrise, they would begin their journey back home. It was a short trip, but one filled with adventure and fun. Alizay and Osama had never seen the mountains before, so they were steeped in joy and excitement.

That night, Alizay couldn’t sleep from the excitement of what was to come the next day. Her room was a mess from her frantic attempts to pack her backpack for the trip. When her mother entered to say “goodnight,” she scrunched up her nose at the chaos, although by now, she was quite used to it.

“Alizay, clean your room before we leave tomorrow. It’s terrible!”

Alizay waved her off, paying no attention. Her mother cast a look of despair around the room and spotted Alizay’s hiking........

© Dawn Young Magazine