Sleepless Mountain (15)

『Be careful. I think we're not alone on this route. I don't know if it's just my imagination, but ever since we started climbing, I've felt like I'm being watched.』 Mita's words sent a chill down my spine. It was true that we had climbed several mountains over 8000 meters, and our mountaineering experience was quite extensive. Yet, this was the first time a mountain had exuded such a strong sense of hostility. This strange, uncomfortable feeling seemed to protest our presence. Thinking back now, I realize how foolish I was. I always taught people that if you feel anything unusual while climbing, you should descend immediately without hesitation. I had seen too many people ignore their instincts, rely on their past experience and skills, and ultimately lose their lives on the mountain. However, when I myself felt something was wrong, I arrogantly assumed it was fine. Overestimating my own abilities and those of my companion, and rushing to complete the assigned search mission, ultimately led me down a path of no return. That night, we set up camp near the original site of the first expedition's C1. High-altitude nights are filled with many annoying sounds. First, the low atmospheric pressure causes tinnitus. Coupled with the extreme cold, it leads to headaches and discomfort. The strong wind outside batters the tent, making a noise like sandpaper rubbing. But the most terrifying thing is that in such conditions, people can hear hallucinatory sounds or even see people who are no longer there, replaying past events before their eyes. Most mountains above 5000 meters have a certain malevolence. It's like how I repeatedly faced challenges from my inner demons on Lhotse before.