In our writing curriculum there is a decoration known as the 3SSS–three short staccato sentences to build suspense. This installment is short, maybe staccato, but it definitely has suspense.

Day 1 Part 2 

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“Where is the lift?” Ella voiced frustratedly, kicking up snow and bopping the airborne powder with her snow tube. She and Soren, who lugged a snowboard, marched behind Harper and Nihil, who were squinting ahead with their sharper eyes. Soren didn’t respond. Her lungs were already too full of frostbitten air, and she was certain icicles were forming on her nose. Her bent head and averted eyes didn’t hinder Ella. She ran through the snow like a gazelle and effortlessly caught up with the alter egos. “Anything yet?” They shook their heads and adjusted the snowboards in their arms. Ella looked down at her tool belt and frowned. “Should we call Rose? I’m calling Rose.” She held her walkie-talkie up to her ear. “Rose! We can’t find the lift!”

“Neither can we,” came the anxious voice of Quill.

There was a crackling pause.

“I’m so sorry guys. We must have forgotten to reenchant the paths. Everyone, please stay where you are and check in.” Rose’s apologetic voice faded.

“Agent Winter, checking in. Group 4 is accounted for.”

“Ella Starburst checking in, Group 1 is accounted for.”

“Satin checking in, Group 3 is–wait where’s Cake?–ok we’re all here.” Satin’s voice sounded a bit shaky.

“It’s ok Satin. You guys’ll be fine. Group 2?” Rose’s voice rang in everyone’s ears, but no one. Finally a deep voice broke the uncomfortable silence, but its usual serene aura was lost.

“General Waffleson checking in. We–Group 2 is–mostly accounted for.” Waffleson paused, and his steady voice cracked, “Viola? Drowned.”

The profound silence that followed was immeasurable. Rose’s voice resumed its calm, commanding tone, but this time it was stiff and sharp.

“All ski groups please stay put and release one of your flares on my signal. I wouldn’t normally consider this an emergency, but I presume you would prefer to return to the lodge as soon as possible.”

——–

Following the uneventful helicopter ride to the lodge, one mystery was solved. The weighty shock of the afternoon hung heavy with the group as they stripped off their equipment in the shed. Waffleson and Vyolette moved slowly, and their thoughts were far, far away. Kitten stared piercingly at each individual in turn with a calculating look in her eye, making everyone uncomfortable. Satin, however, looked plumb terrified, wincing every time Kitten made eye contact. However busy everyone tried hard to make themselves look, they all turned when Satin’s toolbelt clattered to the floor. Secured on her belt were not one walkie-talkie, but two.

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Excuse the short post, but this last sentence was too good to be in the middle… 😉

Awesome writing Rose!! I really wish I could have joined, but it's still fun to follow. 

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