by Dyson Wells

Created on: October 03, 2009   Last Updated: September 16, 2010

On Top of a Mountain


"Look before you leap for as you sow, ye are like to reap."

-Samuel Butler




The brisk air caressed his tongue as he drew a breath. The helmet in his hands shook as his hands trembled. Every little detail raced through his mind. "Damn! It's cold up here!" he mumbled to himself. The wind ripped branches off the trees below. Narrowly missing the ski patrollers, frantically attempting to aid the numerous injured skiers. Sean was an excellent snowboarder. He was only 12, but demonstrated excellent skill and precision on the slopes.

"BANG!" the gondola door slammed once again, jolting Sean back to reality. The gondola remained stationary as the 110 km/h winds rocked the suspended box. Sean knew this because the wind speed was posted at the base station. The only slope still open on Whistler. He payed it little concern. "I should've known better" he mumbled.

Back and forth, back and forth, back and forth. With eight people in the gondola, the sign glared at Sean. "Max 6 riders". It seamed like a form of torture as legs grew weary. No seats were installed in the gondola, only ledges. The constant jerking of the platform only added to the fatigue.
A select few of the occupants began to pray quietly to themselves as the routine five minute ride passed the one hour mark. Sean observed the faces in the gondola. Something wasn't quite right. The faces portrayed a sense of calm. But, underneath, not easily visible to the naked eye, was fear. Uncertain of what was to come. The gondola swayed violently now. Sean began to feel his stomach turn. His fingers twinged against his helmet. Back and forth, back and forth. Sean couldn't take it anymore. The sickness he's been fighting for an hour and a half had finally gotten the better of him. Sean frantically searched the area for a bag, bucket... anything! And there it was, in his hands. Sean's only helmet, equipped with brand new, never used, Oakley goggles. "Anything but that!" Sean pleaded to himself. But, he had no choice...

The gondola rolled into the platform. Sean gazed at his helmet. He walked off.
Standing by the exit was a staff member. Her fake smile could be seen from a mile away. She turned to Sean holding a tray of complimentary hot chocolate. "We apologize for the inconvenience. Please accept our apology." Sean examined the woman standing before him, turned to the gondola, and back to the woman. Sean declined.

The ride down was a ride of a lifetime. As Sean tightened his bindings, the snow,

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