New Story Contest: Wintry Tale - Isabella B. - 03/25/22

Contest: Winners

New Story Contest: Wintry Tale

Submitted by: Isabella B., age 14, Fairview Park, OH

Sledding
    
The sharp whistling of wind pierced his ears, cold stinging his round cheeks. All around him, children laughed and shouted. He watched them whiz down the steep hill, their shouts of glee sounding farther and farther away as they descended. He clutched the neon-green sled closer to his chest. His sister, Liv, had already gone down three times now. He could see her at the base of the hill, making her way back up to him. Her ascent was slow, and she tripped several times. Eventually, she made it to the top.
    
“Will,” Liv panted, “it’s your turn.” Will shook his head violently. His sister groaned. “Come on, it’s not that scary. You just have to try.” Will glared at her. Rolling her eyes, Liv shuffled over, snatching the green sled and setting it on the snow. “Sit.” Will sat.
    
“This is fine,” he said. “But just give me a minute. I need to get my bearings before—” His words were cut short as he felt a great shove from behind. Screaming, he gripped the sled and squeezed his eyes shut. He barreled down the hill, bouncing as he went, refusing to let go. The wind whipped around him, and he flew ever downwards. And all of a sudden, he opened his eyes. Trees zoomed by, and he felt lighter than air. He passed other sledders, their shouts blurring together into some sort of wonderful, happy song. The sled pulled him forward, as he bulleted toward the foot of the hill in a rush of adrenaline.
    
All too soon the ride was over. His cheeks regained their frozen feeling, his white-knuckled hands unclenched. He could feel his entire body relaxing. The sound of the people around him returned, pulling him back to reality. Unsteadily, he rose to his feet, holding the sled loosely at his side. He looked behind him, seeing the mountain he had to conquer. In the aftermath of the excitement, it seemed too daunting a task. But the sweet promise of the thrill back down pushed him forward and slowly, slowly, he began to climb.


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