Learning from a Climb

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It wasn't really my first time to climb a mountain but, 2 nights ago, for the first time, I have set my heart into it. I found a new set of friends, and I tagged an old friend along. We did a night climb. And because it was my 'first time,' I was so excited to get to our camp site. As I was told, I just have to follow the trail, and so I did. I was on the lead. I heard my friend telling me to slow it down, but my excitement made his voice very faint that I can't hear what he said. I continued on climbing, setting my foot of one rock after another. My heart beat raced, but my excitement was way stronger than the supposedly tiring feeling. A few minutes later, I realized that there was no one behind me. My roommate, Mila, who was with us called out for me and told me to wait up. And so I did. A few minutes later, the rest of the group arrived. With my old friend catching for his breath and told us that, 'I think I'm gonna go black out.' I was alarmed. He put his load down and took his rest. The seasoned mountaineer who was with us told my good friend to leave the bag to him. I went to my friend and asked him if he's okay, and he said that he is certainly not okay. I instructed him top relax and keep a steady breathing, and not to grasp for air. I'm not really sure if he really did, because he still looked not okay but a lot better after a few minutes of rest. A few minutes later, the seasoned mountaineer asked him if he can already move on, my friend says, he already can. We reached the camp site 79 minutes after we started our climb. When we got there, we introduced my friend to the rest of the group who arrived at the campsite earlier. We watched the city lights in awe, and as we did, we shared personal experiences. For most of the time, I only listened to the stories of my new pals. I was really a lot of fun. We settled at our tents at around 2:30 in the morning. Early the following morning, we started to go down, reaching the city at around eight in the morning. Last night, my good old friend told me that he did enjoyed the climb, but he was really scared that he would pass out.He also told me that he can't believe that I had so much stamina. I told Mila about my friend's text message. And Mila told me something I never imagined of hearing. It was all my fault. My dear old friend's struggle for breath and to stay concious is all my fault. I was so busy getting to the top that I didn't hear them calling out. Mila just threw the truth right into my face. I was deeply ashamed. What Mila told me didn't hurt me at all, not one bit. What did hurt me is my insensitivity, I didn't even realize how mean I was, I have just discovered that I am a terrible person. I have become the monster I hate. After hearing Mila, I grabbed for my mobile phone and sent my friend a text message telling him how sorry I was. The night climb has exposed to light my unwanted character. I am choosing to throw that character in a well lighted area, so I will always know when I am already near it. I know that my experience with the mountains will shape me into a better person. A few minutes after I sent my apologies, my cellphone beeped. It was my good old friend telling me that I am forgiven.