As they followed the digital map on her phone, they caught sight of a silver railing that gleamed faintly under the waning sunlight. Lory lifted her hand and pointed. "There's a road up there," she said to Zhao Li Xin.
"Are you tired?" Zhao Li Xin asked, noticing the thin sheen of sweat across her forehead. His voice softened with concern.
Lory shook her head, a determined glint in her eyes. "No, I'm fine. This is nothing."
Zhao Li Xin knew how stubborn she could be, so he didn't press further. "Alright," he said quietly. "But if you get tired, just tell me, okay? I'll carry you."
Thus, they made their way toward the narrow flight of stone stairs leading upward. A moment after they reach the quiet open road. The air was still, touched by the scent of pine and damp earth.
