It’s not such a bad place to rest, all things considered.

No noisy neighbors, no heavy traffic. There’s barely anyone around, and those few who visit are always polite and quiet. The scenery is beautiful too. The mountain tops look like fantastic ice castles, and the way they reflect the sunset make them seem to be on fire. The view of the distant towns below is spectacular, you can see the whole valley from here.

II have to admit that, of course, at first the idea didn’t make me happy. Who can take kindly to the news that there is no way back home? I was so upset at my companions for leaving me here that for many days I seriously considered ending our friendship for good and never speaking to any of them again. It had been a silly thought, really. They had barely been able to carry me back to base camp themselves during that terrible storm. Trying to take all the way back, exhausted as they were and with my broken leg after the fall, would have clearly been suicide. Once the pain had passed and I could think clearly, I knew it was the only thing they could have done.

Besides, it was not as if it wasn’t a difficult decision for them too. I could see the pain in their faces as they turned away, not daring to look back. At least they’d tried to make me as comfortable as possible, they even left me the last bottle of brandy. And they hadn’t lied to me with promises of rescue or safety they knew they couldn’t keep.

Yes, they are good friends after all. I even forgave them for never coming around to visit. The sight of my frozen body, still cuddled against the rocks where I tried to protect myself from the storm would have been too painful for them. And, to be honest, I’m a bit glad no one has ever tried to risk taking me back. I really like it here. Barring the sporadic snowstorms it so peaceful and quiet.

It’s not such a bad place to rest, all things considered.

I only wish it wasn’t so cold.