The Tower Trip

The sky still seemed far away as Clay climbed the narrow stairs. Their tightness was harrowing as they rose toward the tall tower. The view grew higher as the hills dropped below. Alex wiped his brow and looked up at Clay during a brief rest. The sun beat down on them as they climbed to the top. Katie urged them to keep moving as Clay started up the stairs again. The others followed, sweating as they went. The end was near, but the journey was strenuous. The top was almost in sight, and the rusty stairs creaked beneath their feet. Clay reached the metal grating and pushed the door up. He checked the tower’s integrity and saw it was holding. He then opened the door for the rest. Alex and Katie joined him, ready for a needed break. The heat had only increased as they sat. Alex closed the door, and the trio sat down to take in the view.

As Alex took out his water bottle, the others looked at him in disbelief. Alex looked at them and laughed.

“I told you to bring water and food on the hike; it was simple,” Clay said.

“I did not think it would be this long or exhausting, and I did not think it would keep the hatch open,” Alex replied.

“It is for safety so no one falls, and the hike was always long,” Clay replied.

“Fine, let us look at the view since we came all this way,” Katie said.

Clay took bottled water from his backpack and handed it to his friends. They were annoyed, but they gulped it down. They looked out over the view, with hills visible for miles. The forest was thick, and it was a sight to photograph on phones. The abandoned tower offered quite the view as the friends walked around it. Its creaking concerned them, but they were amazed. The air was thinner, yet the trio was glad to see the endless forest. The breeze felt welcome on the hot day, and as the day continued, Clay warned of the coming night. The afternoon was wonderful, but they had to get back. Alex, not ready, walked across the hatch and realized he could have fallen. He laughed and gave Clay a thumbs-up.

“Well, maybe we should head back to the trail and civilization before it gets too dark,” Clay said.

“Best if we get back before dark and avoid the animals that come out at night,” Alex said.

Alex lifted the hatch and looked down when he saw that the staircases had fallen. He stood back up and looked at the others. Clay then came over and saw the scene. Katie stood in the back, looking irritated. Both smiled nervously as Alex closed the door.  

“The staircase is unstable and has fallen down; we need to be rescued,” Clay said.

“I am hungry and thirsty, and now we are stuck,” Katie said.

“I have some beef jerky and more water I packed for the hike,” Clay said.

He took out his phone and made a call. Clay could only sit as he discussed the emergency efforts. His face grew red as he wanted to be rescued within hours. The others sat down as the discussion continued. Clay hung up and looked angry.

“They will send help tomorrow morning when the rangers can get out here,” Clay said.

He opened his backpack and handed out the beef jerky and another bottle of water. They ate their measly meal as they sat and watched the sun lower over the hills. It was truly beautiful as they relaxed on the tall tower. Darkness came as the colors disappeared. The wolves' howls could be heard as the wildlife came alive. Each minute brought a new experience, but they were protected. Sleep was not in the cards as they sat and heard the night’s noises. Clay could only look at the stars that seemed so numerous. Katie could go in and out of sleep as the night waned. Each stared at the stars, waiting in the hope of being rescued. Even as the tower creaked, they hoped it would stay standing. As the hours ticked, Alex and Katie fell asleep, but Clay could not close his eyes.  

Yet the light started to appear as the trees came into view again. The sun blazed in all its glory as they all woke up, and a helicopter appeared in the distance. Clay jumped up and woke the others as it came closer. Clay grabbed his backpack as they waited for it to come over them. The ropes finally came down, and Katie went up first; then Alex joined him. Clay was finally lifted and was happy for the ride out. The tower faded in the distance as they flew to safety.