The week had been a whirlwind of activity for Anita and her friends. Between school, the history project, and rehearsals for the play, there had been little time to relax. So when Sarah suggested a weekend trip to the nearby mountains, everyone jumped at the chance to unwind and enjoy some time outdoors. The plan was simple: a day of hiking, a picnic by the river, and a night spent camping under the stars.The weather on the day of the trip was perfect—clear skies, warm sun, and a gentle breeze that carried the fresh scent of pine trees. As they drove up the winding mountain roads, the group of friends chatted excitedly, eager to escape the stresses of school and enjoy a day in nature. Jace, who was still adjusting to the modern world, seemed especially curious about the mountains, his sharp eyes taking in every detail of the landscape."This place is beautiful," Jace remarked as they reached the trailhead. "It reminds me of the forests I used to roam before... everything happened."Anita smiled at him, pleased to see him so at ease. "I'm glad you like it. The mountains have always been one of my favorite places to visit. There's something about being out in nature that just makes everything else seem so small and unimportant."The group set off on their hike, following a well-marked trail that wound its way through the trees and up the side of the mountain. Sarah led the way, her athleticism and enthusiasm keeping everyone moving at a steady pace. Liam and Emily walked together, deep in conversation about the latest school news, while Anita and Jace brought up the rear, enjoying the peacefulness of the forest.As they climbed higher, the trail grew steeper, and the trees thinned out, revealing stunning views of the valley below. The air was cooler here, crisp and invigorating, and the only sounds were the rustling of leaves and the occasional call of a bird. It was exactly the escape they had all needed.After a couple of hours of hiking, the group reached a flat, open area near the top of the mountain. It was the perfect spot for a picnic, with a wide expanse of grass, a clear view of the surrounding peaks, and a small stream running nearby. They spread out a blanket, unpacked their lunches, and settled in for a well-deserved rest."This is amazing," Sarah said, taking a bite of her sandwich. "I'm so glad we decided to do this.""Me too," Emily agreed, her face glowing with contentment. "It's nice to get away from everything for a while."Liam, who had been fiddling with his phone, looked up and grinned. "No signal out here. We're officially off the grid."Anita laughed. "That's part of the charm. No distractions, no responsibilities—just us and the mountains."Jace, who had been quietly observing the group, nodded in agreement. "It's a rare thing, to find a place untouched by the chaos of the world. It reminds me of the old days, when life was simpler."They spent the next hour enjoying their lunch, chatting, and taking in the breathtaking views. The peacefulness of the mountains had a calming effect on everyone, and for a while, it felt as if all their worries had been left behind in the valley below.But as the afternoon wore on, the group decided to explore a bit more before heading back down the mountain. They packed up their picnic and followed a narrow, rocky path that led further up the slope. The trail was more challenging here, with loose stones and steep drop-offs, but the promise of even better views spurred them on.Anita, who had always loved a good adventure, was leading the way now, her excitement growing with every step. Jace stayed close behind her, keeping a watchful eye on the terrain. He could sense the potential danger in the rocky path, but he didn't want to dampen Anita's spirits.As they rounded a bend in the trail, they came upon a section where the path narrowed significantly, with a sheer drop on one side and a steep wall of rock on the other. It was a precarious spot, but Anita was confident in her footing. She moved carefully, her eyes focused on the trail ahead.But just as she reached the midpoint of the narrow path, a loose rock shifted under her foot. She gasped as her balance faltered, and in an instant, she was slipping toward the edge. Time seemed to slow as she grasped for anything to stop her fall, but there was nothing to hold onto. The ground beneath her gave way, and she tumbled off the path, plummeting down the steep slope.