But after my parents vanished that fateful year, I ended up in an orphanage, and I hadn't set foot on a mountaintop since.
During military training in college, I'd told Angela how much I wanted to go hiking with her, to experience those breathtaking views again.
Yet, before I could finish, she spotted her childhood friend in the crowd and dashed over to greet him with that bright smile of hers. After that, I forgot all about it.
"Did you have fun today?" Laura's voice broke through my thoughts, pulling me back to the present.
I nodded, then asked, slightly taken aback, "Ms. Johnson, is it really worth spending this much just to have me tag along?"
Laura laughed, her eyes sparkling. "Five grand to buy your happiness? That's a steal."
Her words sparked something deep within me. After a brief pause, I asked, "How did you know this would make me happy? Why do you care so much after spending all that money?"
She shrugged, a playful smile dancing on her lips. "I spent the money because I wanted to. Why all the questions?"
Laura drove us to a luxurious hotel and booked two rooms.