Faint Rasps
2023
Soaring through serenity. As the hips glide back and forth, its rhythmic conductor alters the fixed landscape. Within just a few breezes, the scene returns back to its calming habitat, with one slight nuance. After its formation, millions of years ago, this blank canvas is finally greeted by painters. And although a miniscule act in this seemingly endless environment, the boys' enchantment had no concept of a past or future. Trapped in a mind surf of awe, they continued to dance and paint their way up and down the South American mountains.
“Yeeeeeewww!” Leroy shouts, as he concludes the powder farming to satisfy Donnys tracks.
“This is Livinnn!” Responds Donny, fist bumping Leroy.
Both heads gaze up, admiring Hank complete their endeavors on this particular face. A still, silent moment passes, and without words, the boys all nod to one another. Each mind is paying its gratitude and respect for the mountain. They recognize the opportunity and privilege they’ve been born into. Through parents, mentors, and peers, each boy has learned to understand just how powerful and consequential the natural elements can be. When granted with tranquil, stable beauty, it's become routine to honor the mountains allowing them to visit.
Hank pulls out the topographic map he had printed back in Montana.
“Looks like we are one basin away from the prominent peak.”
Peaking over Hank's shoulder, Donny smiles, “ It seems like todays going to be an epic...”
One after another, their skins glide in sync, moving deeper and deeper into the unknown.
Leroy looks over his shoulder, “Man, now that you’re finally 21, we can grab beers after adventures back home next winter!”
Donny chuckles, “Yeah, I guess so..” with a sigh.
“Oh c’mon, don’t give me that disgrace. You shouldn’t be so hard on yourself about the future, Don.”
“So I guess that's our fate?.. To just bum around for the rest of our lives?.. Work shitty jobs and ski all the time?!”
A pause occurs, leaving Leroy startled.
“I guess our parents have taught us different philosophies...” finishes Donny.
The sun continues to make its daily journey across the sky.
Hank, a few hundred yards ahead, tops out at a viewing point.
“Oooooh my!” yells Hank, back towards the stragglers.
Pulled back to the present, Donny and Leroy leave their reflections behind and power up to see.
“Are you looking at what I think you’re looking at?” mumbles Leroy.
“Ohhhh yeah,” responds Hank, while studying the objective through binoculars. “Looks to be one or two rappels, the first choke at the entrance, and perhaps the exit as well.”
“Let’s get a better look at the approach, it seems as though the looker's left face is our ticket.”
While jitters of adrenaline pump through their legs, Donny’s mind begins to spiral. His parents were disappointed in his choice to not attend college. As one month turned to two, he began to feel more and more guilty for leaving home on difficult terms.
“Would you look at that! She’s calling!” Cries Hank, with watery eyes trapped in a stare of awe.
The clouds dramatized the mountainscape, casting deep shadows onto the surrounding peaks. The three boys stood side to side, as if the scene was eternal.
With clouds moving fast, a gap began to open, casting rays of sun to spill through, illuminating the passageway.
Hank takes initiative.
The others soon follow, going towards the light.
While stomping through the imprints, Donny’s grudge lashes out.
“I just.. I just don’t know what the hell I'm doing! I want to contribute to our society. I want to apply myself and do something that feels like I’m making a powerful impact!”
Leroy lets Donny catch his breath. “Donny, you’re not alone. I understand that feeling. But hey, think about how much joy you pass on to others through your everyday encounters. Not many are present and thoughtful like you.”
Leroy looks down to see Donnys head lift. They pause.
“Think about how much you must impact people's lives with the photos of you on the cover of ski magazines!” expresses Leroy.
“I don’t want to do this forever. This isn’t the only calling in my life.”
And with that, the boys continue booting up to only the sounds of air and snow.
The clouds take over, growing darker and thicker. For the boys were locked in, staring down at their feet, one step after another. Ambient wooshes of wind start to creep its way up the rock faces, lifting snow from the apron and sprinkling the couloir. Gaps between footprints begin to get farther and farther apart. Hearts begin to race as the wind picks up and visibility narrows in. Leroy and Donny pop their heads over to see Hank standing on the point.
“Take it in! Feel the power!” Hank yells toward the sky.
Snow intensifies, crashing down in every direction, blocking sight of any return. Donnys’ hands shake as he paces side to side. Visibility and sounds are taken over. He throws his backpack down and rips the skis out of the buckles. Locking in, he looks over the face and into the unknown, and with that, the only sense Hank and Leroy could gather was the faint rasps of Donny trembling down.
The End