The pilgrimage.

I drove.

I drove away from the city into the night, passing small town after small town as I went. I filled up twice with gas, always glancing back to the horizon where I came.

Nothing followed.

Eventually, the road grew empty and bare. Further, I went, using the last of my gas cans. No longer were their signs of human nature; no telephone poles, nor lights to shine the way.

Trees, rocks, and boulders surrounded me. The road turned to cracks, to gravel, and finally to dirt. As I pushed the peddle harder, the dust glowed red as it grew behind me. Miles and miles I went until the cars warning light flashed on.

Low fuel.

Unwaviered I pushed the car on. Eventually, the engine seized and died. I drifted into a clearing. The meadow overgrown, I opened the door. I looked to the skies and thought this is a good enough place to start walking. Grabbing my pack, I left the keys in the ignition and the door wide open.

Truly alone, I hiked through the meadow and disappeared into the wood line. As I went, the door chime faded in the distance. I dared not to look back; pausing only for a few moments to sip from my water bottle and to listen to the darkness.

When the sun came up, I found a spot to rest until darkness crept back into the forest. This cycle continued for days until I reached the peak.

My body and mind moved only on will power alone. My hands were bloodied and cut from climbing. Sweat dripped from my brow, and my back grew sore. I was tired, but something glimmered down in the valley below. It was there. It is what I have been searching for.

A few more miles.

A few more miles to go, until I reached the door in the middle of nowhere.