Troubled Memories
Ever had an adventurous moment in your life? There are many relations that various people relate while it came to their moments when they had undertaken to explore newer worlds. There is that solo moment that you had to carry out a new thing in your life, what was the experience? Imagine the days spent in parks with family or friends, all these accounts to the adventurous us. In a natural setting, human beings love exploring newer places to adventure, and therefore, this term is all common. To Sheryl, adventure means another world. Here is her story.
At the compound of the university, there is this huge tree. Legend has it that the tree was planted when the founding president came to fully open this school at its early years. Apart from the perfect shade that it offers, the tree has lived to listen to various narrations from friends who come to seek solace at the ambiance of its shadow. This afternoon is no different; at the heat of the day, one can spot two girls in the shadow from a distance. It is Sheryl and her friend Olivia. The duo is in the middle of a conversation when suddenly Sheryl poses a question.
Do you know how Asia looks
Not really. Why do you ask, dear?
It is my life, Olivia; it sets its origin in the tropics of Africa.
Fifteen years ago, I was five by then and in elementary school. My father, a practicing Surgeon who worked with the military, arrived home rather happy. My mother, my sister Katharina and I were all happy seeing him back after three and a half years in service. All of us loved his tales of various parts of this world that he had traveled. From the Eiffel Tower in France to the fantastic ancient pyramid of Giza. The night was different. He brought four air texts, and the next words got us all by surprise, we are heading for a vacation in Wuhan China. With all our packaging made, our holiday in China set its mood. After traveling for half a day, we landed in China. Our maternal uncle, who was working in the embassy, welcomed us and could serve as our host for the rest of the time. In this largest continent, we had a lot of fun. My sister and I enjoyed most walking along the Great Wall of China. After a week’s stay in China, we move to Nepal, where dad was resolved in seeing us climb the Everest.
Who knew that climbing Everest could be the most defining moment in my life? Tears drop down her tears as Olivia tries to encourage her. On that morning, with the help of a guide, we set off to the risk adventure that we had only watched in TV programs. Our parents each carried us as we began the journey to climb the cold mountain. On the sunset of the first day, we could not continue upwards. My father pitched the tent as Mum tried to make the fire. As they were busy in their errands, we decided together with Katharina to play. She kicked the ball and started chasing it as I tried calling her in vain. Suddenly, screams were heard. It was a flowing ice sheet. My sister drowned! My parents ran trying to save her, but unfortunately, the poor could not beat the strength that the sheet had. They, too, were swept. I stood there aimlessly, looking at the direction they went. A five-year-old me thinking all this was part of the adventure, and they would be back on time. It is fifteen years now, and I am optimistic that the journey of adventure maybe lasted longer.