Day 6: A Day Between Mountains

Sally and Kam went to Kamikōchi.
They walked together along the trail. The morning was fresh.
Kam had her hands in her pockets, feeling the pleasant chill brush her fingers.

“I’ve been wanting to come here for a while,” Sally said, adjusting the straps of her backpack.

The forest stretched out peacefully. The sound of the river reached them before they could see it: constant, clear.
When the water appeared between the trees, they both stopped.
Their eyes fixed on the clear river.

Kam crouched and dipped her hands into the water.
“It’s really cold,” she said, laughing softly.

Sally leaned down beside her. The water brushed her fingers. The sensation was immediate, pure.

“Maybe we needed this,” Kam murmured, not looking at her.

Sally didn’t reply—but she understood.

They continued along the trail.
Sunlight filtered through the branches, forming bright patches that danced with the wind.
A large bird flew overhead, the sound of its steady wings cutting through the air.
There were tourists, yes, but the mountain was bigger than the voices. Everything felt calm. Alive, but unhurried.

Kam pointed ahead.
“Sally, I think that guide over there… haven’t we seen him before?”

Sally glanced.
“You probably haven’t. He uploads hiking, camping, and cooking videos.”

“Ah, that’s why his face looked familiar,” Kam replied.

The mountain rose gently before them.
When they reached a viewpoint overlooking a large stream, they sat down to rest.

They shared onigiri.
“I forgot what this feels like,” Kam said suddenly.

“What?” Sally asked.

Kam thought for a moment.
“Feeling… good. Calm.”

Sally looked at the water.
“I’m glad you’re enjoying the trip,” she said, her gaze warm.

After a while, they continued walking.
They took many photos.
The day passed like a soft thread slipping through their fingers.
No knots. No snags.

They returned to the inn as the sun began to set.
They took a bath.

“Do you want to go see the city at night?” Sally asked.

“Sure, and maybe grab some dinner on the way,” Kam replied.

Sally smiled.
Night in Nagano had just begun.