It was nice to hear a little bit of laughter in her mom’s voice. “I’ve got this, Mom. I’m ready. Dad made sure of it.”
six
BÉBHINN
Snowdonia Way Mountain Route
Daily Journal
Day 1
Machynlleth to Abergynolwyn
Distance: 13.3 miles (21.5 km)
Total Ascent: 1,522 m (4,993.4 ft)
5 am
I woke up before the first streaks of light painted the sky, Dad. You once coerced me into touching my tongue to a 9-volt battery. The zap from that is nothing compared to the energy vibrating my skin.
This was supposed to be our day, Dad. Be prepared to hear my voice in Heaven all day for days because I plan on describing everything to you.
This is my first time journaling—and probably my last, if I’m honest. It seemed goofy to write to myself when Gray suggested it, but I agreed when she told me to think of it like I was writing a letter to you.
You wrote me a letter, so fair is fair.
You’d like my journal. It’s a slim, soft brown leather number with the Three Wolves Whiskey logo stamped in gold leaf on the front cover. I picked it up the last time I visited your distillery.
Your office is still…your office. I sat in your chair for a couple of minutes. I know, I know, it sounds creepy even to me. There was a moment when I felt you standing by my side. Again, I know!
It was worth the pitying look Olive gave me when she caught me slipping out of your door.
Anyway, Dad, I’d better get going. Sunrise is at 5:39 this morning. I’ll write more tonight and let you know how my day went.
Love you (even though I haven’t quite forgiven you for leaving me and Mom),
Bébhinn
Bébhinn reclined on a giant slab of stone, taking in the gorgeous views from the side of Tarrenhendre mountain. Her thighs were granite, but thankfully, her calves were down to a lovely burn, a nice change from the fire that had licked her muscles for the hours that had come before.
Her butt, however, kept cramping. She lifted each cheek and massaged the offended glutes—moans kept slipping between her teeth.Damn, that felt good.
The day had been one of the best of her life. It would have beenthebest had her dad been by her side.
Still, this day had been as much for him as for her. She believed he was watching her. She had to believe that. She also had to believe he was proud as all hell.
She was actually looking forward to writing to her dad that night. Gray had been right. Bébhinn needed the closeness and the closure that writing to him brought.
It was her goodbye. One she’d been holding on to for months. Her body could gripe all it wanted as she ascended Wales’s mountains because her determination would never falter. Her smile would never dim. The serenity of the terrain, trees and flowers, scurrying animals, and cawing birds wouldn’t lose its beauty.
She’d lost count of the number of ravens swooping by her path, letting off their distinctive gurgling croaks. She couldn’t wait for her mom to experience the wonder of nature.
She’d managed to take some great pictures for her family, but currently, she was all about appreciating the miles she’d tread with her own eyes instead of through her phone. She was fourshort miles to her next stop—a hot meal, a bath for her aching muscles, and most importantly, somewhere to sleep.
When Bébhinn finally peeled herself from the rock slab to begin the last leg, she felt the hairs on her neck tingle. Slowly, she turned in a circle, scanning the area around her. No movement.
The swaying branches of Welsh oak and mountain-ash held no surprises. Tall Douglas firs marched up and down the trail, silent sentinels with their tops so high and unmoving. Still, nothing caught her eye.
