Cruel Hike

"The autumn hiking trip was supposed to be an adventure. But when the temperature plummeted below freezing, and my lips started turning blue, I reached into my pack to find my emergency thermal blanket had been swapped for a flimsy plastic bag.

Before I could even ask who was responsible, my fiancé, Dermot, grabbed my arm.

""Babe, don't be mad,"" he said, his voice tight. ""I gave your blanket to Lila. Just... make do with the plastic bag for now.""

I clutched the crinkling plastic, my teeth chattering so hard they ached. ""Make do? So you're just going to let me freeze to death out here?""

His brow furrowed in annoyance. ""Why would you say that? Lila's not an experienced hiker, she wasn't prepared. That doesn't mean you can wish her ill.""

He went on, his voice dripping with condescension. ""We're out here to connect with nature, to breathe fresh air, not to show off your professional gear. Lila was right, you know."