"Hiking at Sapphire Falls" by Michelle M.

Inspired by a true story.

It was a hot summer morning when friends hood rat Daniah, carefree Cherry, happy-go-lucky Misha, and J Dallas began their hike to Sapphire Falls. However, their excitement died down when the hike became sketchy because for almost two hours, all they saw was the same cliff on the left and rocky hills to the right. J Dallas mentioned that they go back as they didn’t seem to be on the right path. However, the girls were determined to finish what they had started. Luckily, a group of experienced hikers crossed their paths, and thus decided to follow them.

            After hiking through a rocky stream, they reached the top of the falls. Surrounded by the graffiti art and the waterfall, the scene was absolutely breathtaking. Wanting to go down the rocky waterslide, Daniah, Cherry and Misha made their way to the side of the waterfall, while J Dallas stayed behind with all their stuff. They grabbed on the rope and slowly pulled themselves through the water to reach the waterslide. The trio became slightly nervous as it was more dangerous than they had thought. However, the three “yolo’d” and just went for it. They slid down, to the ice-cold natural pool at the bottom.

However, as Misha swam to the ledge, she felt a sharp pain through her fingers. She then knew something went wrong and won’t be able to climb up to the cliff they came from. Trying to figure out how they’re to communicate with J Dallas, much time had passed. They tried screaming his name but the cliff was too high. So they told the people climbing back, to just tell him of the situation, and they would just meet him back in the car.

As they began their trip back, Daniah, Misha and Cherry reveled on the beauty of their surroundings. Still elated by the experience, the trio “stripped” themselves of all their worries and savored the solitude of each other’s company. They pondered on the great things they’ve been blessed with and to put it simply, they were having the time of their life.

Meanwhile, there was J Dallas. Separated from his friends, everything took a turn for the worse…literally. He was lost. He had gone on the wrong path and was now deep in the forest, with no one to be found. Then just as he was retracing his steps, a snake decides on accompanying him. Slowly making its way towards him, J Dallas grabbed a stick and began battling the cold-blooded creature. Struggling, he was able to stab and kill it. He then rushes off and searches for the right way back.

After a few hours of luxuriating in nature, or in J Dallas’ case, fighting for his life, they found themselves back to where they had parked. Relieved of their reconciliation, they began their drive back to civilization and acknowledged the wonderful blessing that had just been bestowed upon them. It was a blessing they’ll forever remember.