Tashi stood on a rocky outcrop, his tiny hooves gripping the stone. He looked at the farthest peak, its snow cap gleaming. "I will reach you," he whispered.
Tashi took his first step down toward the mountain's base. A cool stream babbled nearby, reflecting the blue sky. He paused, listening to the water's song.
Loose rocks tumbled as Tashi climbed the steep slope. He slid back, landing softly in wildflowers. The flowers tickled his nose. "Achoo!" A butterfly fluttered away.
Tashi followed a narrow path winding up the mountain. His small legs worked hard stepping over fallen logs. He reached a clearing. The farthest peak seemed closer, but also higher.
A sheer rock face blocked his way. Below, a vine bridge swayed in the wind. Tashi tested it carefully. It creaked but held.
Tashi crossed the vine bridge, counting his steps. Wind pushed hard against him. He reached the other side just as the bridge snapped behind him.
The climb grew harder. Rocks gave way under his hooves. Tashi dug in deep and kept moving upward.
Clouds rolled in thick and white. Tashi couldn't see the path. He paused, then pressed on anyway.
Sunlight broke through the clouds. The farthest peak glowed gold above the mist. Tashi moved faster.
The path narrowed to a thin ledge along the cliff. Tashi walked carefully, one hoof in front of the other.
Ice and snow covered the final stretch. Tashi's hooves found purchase on hidden stone beneath the crust.
The snow grew deeper. Tashi pushed through it, his breath forming clouds in the cold air.
Tashi reached the final ridge. The snow-capped peak stood just ahead, gleaming in the sun.
Tashi stepped onto the summit. Snow sparkled all around him. He had reached the farthest peak.
Tashi looked out over the mountains. Far below, the green hills and the stream he had crossed were tiny dots. He had come so far.
Tashi stood on the peak, watching the sun climb higher. The wind carried his whisper to the next mountain. "I will reach you," he said to the sky.