The call came unexpectedly on a crisp, clear morning, just as I was preparing for a day of boring tasks and a hike to the mountains next week. Sunlight streamed through the window, casting a warm glow over my cluttered living room where maps of distant mountain ranges adorned the walls, pinned with aspirations of exploration. My phone buzzed on the coffee table, interrupting my animated thoughts about the upcoming expedition. With excitement, I picked up and heard the voice that would change everything.
"I got the job!" I exclaimed. I had dreamed of this moment for years, having aspirations of venturing into the untouched wilderness even if I was going to be an electrician at a research station. I would accompany the crew on hikes, where nature reigned supreme and discoveries awaited at every turn.
As the news sunk in, I sprang into action, spending the rest of the day preparing for the journey ahead. Packing essentials became a meticulous ritual; I checked and rechecked my equipment—a sturdy hiking pack filled with provisions, weatherproof jackets designed to withstand mountain storms, and boots that promised comfort over rugged terrain. Each item was costly, but I just didn't care. The job was high-paying and fun; I would be able to pay off the costs in no time! But before I got too excited, I needed to rest. I jumped into my comfy bed, still pondering the endless possibilities of this new job.
The following morning dawned crisp and clear, the air tinged with the promise of new beginnings. I woke with a sense of purpose, dressing quickly in layers suited for the unpredictable mountain weather. Wanting to be fully prepared, I went to the grocery store and bought even more things: cooking utensils, a grill, snacks, and a variety of other foods that would prevent me from going hungry for at least a week. I hauled the groceries into the back of my car, opened the trunk, triple-checked if there was anything else I needed, and hit the road.
I turned on the radio to listen to my favorite songs and broadcasts. Each mile brought more awe-inspiring vistas and a growing sense of adventure, the most memorable of which was a field full of golden grass with trees dotting the background. As I drove, the road started to narrow. "Oh, is that a farm shop?" I muttered to myself. There were several vegetables and some fruit juices that the shop was selling. I wanted orange juice as a refreshment, so I stepped out of my car to buy it. "How much for the fresh orange juice?" I asked. The storekeeper, a middle-aged man, said, "It's one dollar fifty for the small bottle." I replied, "Thanks," and gave him the money before continuing on my way. Suddenly, it started raining. I knew rain could make the winding and narrow mountain roads slippery, so I called the research station to let them know I would be late. They understood, and I parked my car on the side of the road, relaxing inside until the next morning.
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The next day, I woke up early, having set an alarm for 7 am the previous night. I wasted no time in driving to the foot of the mountain and starting up the curvy roads. The rain from the day before had caused a minor mudslide that partially obstructed the road, but I was able to navigate around it. As I drove up the mountain, I finally had time to admire the flora and fauna. Halfway up, I got hungry and stopped to eat the snacks I had brought, even cooking a hotdog on the mini grill. I also drank half of my orange juice. After this short snack break, I continued up the mountain, encountering beautiful wildlife. Eventually, the road ended, and my map instructed me to proceed on foot. I found a parking lot and parked my jeep there, separating all my supplies into two large bags. It was a short walk of about 10 to 20 minutes along the trail to the research station. In the clearing, I finally saw the research station. I walked towards it and knocked on the door. Dr. Smith came out and greeted me, "Oh! You're finally here! Let me introduce you to the team first. This is Adrian, the meteorologist; Edwin, who sets up machines; and Sarah, the climatologist." I confirmed, "I'm the electrician, right?" Dr. Smith replied, "Yep. Let me show you around." There were three rooms: the bedroom with bunk beds, the research room with lab tools, and the recreation room with a fridge stocked with food, where we could relax in our spare time. "Well," said Dr. Smith, "we'll start work tomorrow." I was too tired to say anything else and rested for a while, admiring the view from the balcony outside the recreation room until the sun set. Later, I grilled some vegetables and chips outside and had dinner. It was getting late, so I brushed my teeth and went to bed.