It was not to be. Cast out, but not in shame. For we had accomplished what no other had ever done in such a short period of time. We had proven our theories and now had a much better idea of how we could successfully climb the mountain. I reached into my pocket for that scrap of paper.
Nothing ever comes to one, that is worth having, except as a result of hard work.
I smiled, we would be back to climb again. That was only a short few days ago. Now he was leaving. Heading back to his home and his family. As we neared the airport the drizzle turned to rain.