S3| 177. Hiking Together

Half an hour passed, Barbara was panting. Her face was red, covered in beads of sweat.

"Are you tired?" Philip rubbed her forehead again.

"No."

"Why don't we rest for a while? With those red cheeks and that sigh, you look like you've had a night's exercise. I don't want any other men to see you like this."

Barbara laughed faintly. "But we can't rest in the middle of the stairs like this. We could disturb other climbers."

Philip pointed at a point, not far above them. "There's a place to rest."

"Okay, let’s have a seat there for a moment."

Barbara quickened her pace even though her knees were shaking. She couldn't wait to rest her feet.

As soon as she sat on a large rock, Barbara closed her eyes and let out a long sigh. Her hands were clenched into fists, hitting her thighs which felt sore and itchy.

"Please don't do that if there are other people around," Philip said, handing her a bottle of water.

"Why?" Barbara opened her eyes again.

"Those sounds and expressions you usua