Page 1 of Rescue
Prologue
We’ve been skiing all day, but the exhilaration keeps us going. The fresh powder this high up is almost unreal. This black diamond level run is rarely used. Only locals know about it and even then, most aren’t skilled enough to even attempt it.
She’s been begging me to come up here for weeks. I’ve tried to tell her about the dangers of being this far out and away from everyone and everything, never mind the avalanches, but she wouldn’t be deterred. She’s single minded in her focus to achieve the things she wants and I’m no match for her tenacity.
I rented the best equipment from the store to bring her out here. Only the best for my girl. It’s our anniversary and I’m going to make this one a memory she won’t forget, danger be damned. We’re both more than proficient at skiing and I've trained out here enough to know how to protect us from anything that might come our way. As long as we stay together, we should be ok.
The view is breathtaking up here at the peak.
The white clouds filling the sky match the blanket of white snow covering the mountainside. It feels like I can see the whole world from here and I can’t think of anywhere else I’d rather be. The feeling I get from being this high up is always intense.
I need this practice if I’m going to nail my team’s upcoming competition, but I know I will. Scouts from Dartmouth are coming to watch, so I have to perform my best. If I want to have a chance to compete at the top, I need a spot at one of the elite schools. My goal is to become an Olympic skier and Dartmouth is the next step to get there. I know I can do it if I just keep my eye on the prize.
We managed to stop only long enough to empty the thermoses of hot soup and cocoa I made sure to pack. We quickly kiss and then we’re back out there. The pull to ski is too powerful for both of us. It’s a hobby for her, but for me it’s more. It’s my life’s passion.
Growing up, my mom always called me her penguin. I took to the snow and ice like I was made for it and never looked back. It seems like I’ve always run hot and my only cure is the cool mountain air and snow. Where my brothers whined and complained about the cold and the wet, I couldn't get enough, constantly begging my mom for more time outside.Just a little longer, Mom, please!
As soon as I was big enough to ski, Dad strapped me in, and off we went. As a kid, I had skis on more than shoes, but that's the way I wanted it. Mom would have to bribe me to come in most winter evenings. I’d quickly gulp down my dinner and then I was off to my room to continue researching the best techniques and watching videos of the best skiers on the highest mountains in the world.
My girl, she’s different. She’s always been a daredevil. Not just in skiing, but life in general. Constantly pushing her limits, and quite honestly, pushing mine right along with them. Today is no different. She takes the lead and performs flawlessly. If she wanted to, she could get a spot right next to me on the team, but that isn’t her style. She’s set on being a doctor and I admire her ambition. I know she can do it. The same qualities that lead me now are going to make her the best doctor.
We’re Sophomore’s at our local Jr. College, but she just got accepted to Dartmouth’s pre-med program. I’m hoping to land a full ride on their ski team next week. Today is just the practice I need to ace the competition and secure our future. She was right, wedidneed to do this.
Here on the east side of the mountain, the sun sets early and it’s starting to get late. I think I can feel the wind shifting, but one more run should be safe. I pass her on my way to the bottom, and she signals she's going back to the top for one more run. We’ve skied together so many times we’re almost in tune with each other. I get to the bottom and turn to find her. Looking up, I can just barely make her out. She waves and starts her descent.
She’s absolutely gorgeous in her element. Her blonde hair blowing in the wind and her chapped cheeks, she’s a vision. Everything I’ve ever wanted in one package. How did I get so lucky? We’ve got our whole lives ahead of us and I can’t wait to spend it together doing all the things we love.
I dig my ski poles into the fresh snow to brace myself for her arrival and yank my gear off my back. I can’t wait to ravage her when she gets down here. I love that she matches me with her sense of adventure and zest for life.
I get one glove off and am reaching for the other when I start to feel a slight vibration under my feet and then I hear it. The rumbling that every skier dreads. Before I have a chance to look up, I know what I’m going to see.
An avalanche is chasing her, gaining speed and momentum. She’s not going to reach me in time. She’s close enough that I can see the fear on her face, but too far away for me to do anything. We’re helpless. I open my mouth to yell to her to take cover, but it’s too late. The snow overtakes her and it’s coming for me next.
Praying she’s ok, I focus on survival and call on everything I know about avalanches. I turn and start running for a strong tree on the side of the mountain but it’s moving too fast. I whip my red scarf off my neck and wrap one end around my wrist, leaving the rest dangling. I can only hope it’s enough for someone to see when they come searching for us. I throw my hands over my head and brace myself for the impact I know is mere seconds away.
As the world goes dark, I’m struck with horror. This is all my fault. If only I hadn’t brought her up here. If only I had anticipated the weather. If only . . .
