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Emotion 365: The mountain of Doubt, the ranger station of Disbelief

Gassy mists form the thick fog over Doubt blocking the sun from view. A path of shale switchbacks up the grey mountain. Sometimes the way looks clear and travelers venture up, until the fog rushes in. Then all that can be seen are rocks underfoot. It’s a well-traveled path. Yet no one seems certain of the way. They ascend asking, “This way? That?” An eagle cries in response. A marmot whistles. A voice echoes. Rocky clatter. They keep climbing unless they have a Guide.

 “Stop. Wait, for the fog to lift,” she says.

The rickety ranger station Disbelief on the side of the mountain has maps but no attendant. It looks hastily built, but still stands after centuries. The maps within are poorly made with small font, bad design, and confusing symbols without a key.

"Which is the path of Doubt?" asks Miss Doe Friend.

 “Is this all there is?”says Miss Emeline Traveler unfolding the small paper. "Where is the mapmaker? Is there any water?" she calls.

“Perhaps, someone is hiding in the back,” she says and steps back into nothingness which goes on and on.

When she returns, she shrugs.

"The path is so popular, so many people are on it, shouldn't there be more features and attractions? I feel we have misstepped," says Doe.

The rocky trail climbs up, but there is no view.

"Nevermind," says Miss Emeline. "I shall use my own intuition."


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