AMERICAN SNOW ANGELS — Cleaned & Corrected Extract

AMERICAN SNOW ANGELS by M. E. Harris 1st edition 2019 / 2nd edition 2023 To contact M. E. Harris: mehfariddion@gmail.com Cover picture by Beseektas

Chapters

1. Big Bear

2. Arrival

3. Setting Off

4. Time to Share

5. The Compass

6. Snowstorm

7. Wakanda the Wonder Dog

8. Hayley’s Rescue

 

Big Bear

Angel sat up in bed. Not because he woke by himself, but because his Husky dog Wakanda had pushed open the door to his room and jumped onto his bed. Angel is eleven years old and lives with his parents, Tarlo and Woya, in the ski resort of Big Bear. Generations of families have lived in this area. Wakanda has smelt the fresh snow that fell last night and is eager to explore.

Angel can see the snow on the roof from his single bed. ‘Oh… lots of snow, Wakanda!’

Wakanda barks excitedly. He loves the snow.

Angel greets his parents in his Native American tongue, then continues on to open the back door via the kitchen. Wakanda dashes across the wooden floor to play outside in the snow. Angel tosses a few sticks for Wakanda before going back in. He’s not dressed for the outdoors yet.

‘Lots of snow!’ smiles Angel.

Angel’s mother, Woya, sits unmoved in the corner near the fire. Angel’s father nods. They are not a talkative couple. Their words are used sparingly.

‘Don’t go far. No rabbits. No birds,’ suggests his father, Tarlo.

‘Animals know not yet,’ explains Woya.

‘I don’t understand,’ says Angel, drinking some water.

‘It will snow again. Soon,’ says Tarlo. ‘Very heavy.’

Angel nods, now understanding. ‘Could be good for skiing then this winter?’ he smiles.

His parents know he loves to ski and smile back.

After breakfast, Angel heads out for a walk in the snow with Wakanda.

 

Down the road from Angel’s house is the Big Bear Ski Hire, run by the Dean family. All the bedrooms on the second floor are central‑heated. In one room, Kerry is asleep under his warm duvet, with racing cars pictured all over it. His parents’ and sister’s rooms are just down the timber hallway. They have great views of the lake and the village. They’ve been here for five years now.

Kerry’s bed is pine, set on high legs on a pine floor. Actually, the room is almost all pine. Thick white curtains are closed, leaving the room dark. Kerry doesn’t know that heavy snow has fallen overnight, leaving Big Bear Ski Hire in for a big day and season.

David, Kerry’s dad, is knocking on his door. ‘Snow’s fallen, son!’ calls David. ‘A lot!’

David has already been outside in the fresh knee‑deep snow to remove it from around their Jeep, the road out front, and the path to the shop door. It’s a winter wonderland out there, bringing much hope that a profitable season lies ahead.

Kerry doesn’t answer but stirs a little.

‘Kerry?’ continues David.

David enters. He always knocks before entering. He likes giving his son privacy, which was lacking in his own childhood. But he knows Kerry can make all his own decisions once he leaves home.

David moves to the window and draws the curtains. The sun is up, hidden behind the snow‑covered mountains. A full moon, low in the sky over the snow‑filled fields, looks magnificent. The snow is almost pink from the reflected moonlight. Only a few birds make any sound after the large snowfall overnight.

Kerry opens his eyes. ‘Hi Dad,’ he replies sleepily.

‘Guess what?’ says David.

‘The ski boots, yeah?’ mumbles Kerry.

David laughs happily. ‘Yes, but not yet… better than that!’

Kerry rolls over and looks outside. ‘Hey… it’s early!’ He pauses before excitedly adding, ‘Did you say snow’s fallen?’

‘Sure has,’ smiles David.

Kerry throws the duvet off and, in his blue pajamas, goes to the window to see.

‘I thought we could all get a ski in before the city folk arrive for opening hours. Your friends are coming up later too. What do you think, Kerry?’

‘Sounds great, Dad. Wow, I’ve never seen so much snow in one early fall.’

‘Mom’s fixing some Danish for us right now,’ says David, beginning to leave the room.

‘Is Catelyn up?’ asks Kerry.

‘Yeah, she’s an early riser. See you for breakfast.’

‘Okay,’ agrees Kerry.

Kerry walks over and opens his large two‑door built‑in pine cupboard. He dresses in his red‑white‑and‑blue ski pants, then carries his matching jacket and beanie to his bedside table. He opens the drawer and pulls out his brand‑new ski glasses. He doesn’t bother putting his red beanie on yet, so he sticks it in his jacket pocket and heads happily downstairs to the kitchen.

The radio is playing Jingle Bells as Kerry strolls in. David, Tara, and Catelyn — his eleven‑year‑old sister — are chatting happily as Kerry enters the room.

Through the drawn white curtains, Kerry sees a dull orange glow settling around the snow‑covered mountains. The Cedar, Quaking Aspen, and Douglas‑fir stand ready for the first day of the official ski season, the snow resting heavy on their branches.

‘Good morning, big brother,’ smiles Catelyn, yawning.

Kerry answers happily. ‘Hi Sis. Good morning, Mom.’

He moves to the open window. ‘It snowed a lot!’

Catelyn walks over and looks too. ‘Yeah, isn’t it great? I think I love the snow more than any of my friends. Even Jackie.’

‘Yeah. Maddison, Jordan, Josh, and Hayley are going to be really happy about the amount of snow. Earl can’t make it though, but he said he’d call,’ says Kerry.

‘They’re coming here around eleven, right?’ checks David, sipping his hot chocolate.

‘Yeah. Maddison’s parents couldn’t get her on an earlier bus, so everyone agreed on eleven in the end.’

‘Danish is up! There’s coffee, tea, or hot chocolate,’ informs Tara. She dries her hands, then sits at the long pine table on one of the two backless benches.

David sits opposite her and begins to eat.

Kerry turns away from the window and sits next to his mother, placing several Danishes onto his plate.

‘Harry is going to run his number one and two lifts a little earlier this morning for his family, and we’ve been invited along,’ explains David, helping himself to more hot chocolate.

‘Chelsea wanted to go skiing with us this morning. Anytime after six, she said,’ adds Tara.

‘Right… we’ll have to be back here by seven‑thirty if we’re going to open on time without being in a mad rush,’ Catelyn adds helpfully.

‘The cash register is ready to go. I counted it out before I went to bed,’ Kerry adds sleepily. ‘I found those screwdrivers for the skis.’

‘Good,’ nods David.

‘And the new toddlers’ walking boots are unpacked and shelved,’ adds Tara.

‘Thanks, darling,’ smiles David thoughtfully. ‘Those boots get more expensive every year.’

‘Are you putting our prices up this year, Dad?’ asks Catelyn, eating some apricot Danish.

David sits back and looks at her with fondness. He shakes his head. ‘No… everyone else is though. We made enough last year. I see no reason for a rise yet. We’re doing well. It’s good for business. Also for the regulars. They’re always comparing our prices. That’s why we’re number one. And I intend to keep it that way.’

They all look surprised at David.

‘Chocolate’s great,’ he smiles. ‘And with plenty of snow forecast, I’m glad I didn’t weaken.’

Tara smiles at him. ‘Yeah, Jan and Mary are always letting everybody know who’s doing what with their prices every year.’

‘Some of my friends in Denver couldn’t afford to pay anyway,’ adds Catelyn.

‘It wouldn’t affect Maddison,’ smiles Kerry.

Tara laughs. ‘Certainly wouldn’t. They are ridiculously rich. But you know… I’ll often take a little off the bill if I feel the customer is struggling to fit themselves out.’

‘I know you do,’ smiles Catelyn. ‘I think you’re an inspiration up here, Mom. I bet Maddison probably has a whole new outfit again this year.’

‘Same as every year. But she doesn’t make a fuss about it. I think her mom encourages her. She does grow out of them. She is tall.’

The sun rises between the two mountains overlooking the village, faintly shining onto their faces.

David finishes eating and stands. ‘I’ve just got to get my new gloves and I’m ready to go. I’ll see you down in the Ski Hire.’

Catelyn, Tara, and Kerry are already dressed, beanies on the table.

David leaves the room.

He is fitting one of his ski boots to a brand‑new set of skis on one of the four fitting benches as his family joins him downstairs. He slides the lock hard up against the heel and it snaps shut.

‘That should do it,’ smiles David.

Kerry pulls out a snowboard. ‘I think I’ll stick to last year’s board. It rocked!’

David grins. ‘You can try a new one if you want. That yellow one’s got a cool design.’

‘Can I try those new yellow Tyrol skis, Dad?’ asks Catelyn happily

“Yeah. Do you want to try a new pair of skis, darling?” asked David. Tara looked cheerful. “Yes… the pink ones.” “I thought you might,” grinned David. “Seeing I ordered them,” smiled Tara.

They placed their skis and boots onto the fitting benches and adjusted them to fit their boot size, then adjusted the release so if they fell, the boot would release from the ski safely.

Outside, David, Tara and Catelyn placed their toes in first before pushing their heels down to lock onto their skis. Kerry had his snowboard and stood ready. They could hear that the lift had just started.

David gave everyone the once‑over. “Okay… well, let’s have some fun.” He smiled and pushed off with his poles, gliding gently down the hill towards the number one lift, his skis pressing the snow flat and making a sliding sound. Tara, Kerry and Catelyn followed behind.

David was once an Olympic skier but didn’t place for a medal. “A tough year to compete,” he’d say of it. No one else had skied or even walked to the lift yet, so the path was clean, white, untouched snow. The colourful group glided effortlessly down to the lift.

Once there, they pushed themselves along with their poles right up to where the chairlift turned to pick up waiting skiers. Kerry chose to release his boots from the snowboard and walked over.

Harry and his sons, James and Brad, were checking the chairs one last time as they turned around to greet the Deans. Harry smiled. “Good morning, Deans!” David grinned. “Hi Harry, Brad, James.”

They all exchanged fond greetings, shaking hands. Both boys were older than Kerry, in their late teens — big and well‑fed like their dad. They all wore baseball caps and bright blue winter jackets, pants and snow boots.

“Are you folks ready to go?” asked Harry brightly. David nodded. “Sure thing, Harry.” “Then if the ladies want to come up and wait for the next chair, they can be on their way. Chelsea’s already gone up with Becky.”

Tara and Catelyn pushed forward, stood ready, and fell back into the chair. After one or two bumps with their skis dangling over the safety nets, they settled in for the ride to the top of the run. David and Kerry followed behind in the next chair and took in the wonderful views sweeping out over Lake Tob Tob, which was only just starting to freeze over.

Away from the motors of the lift, the ride became quiet and peaceful. The sound of small birds chirping and snow dropping from tree branches accompanied the need to hold their scarves tight to their faces or pull up their zips to keep out the bitter cold air. Kerry shifted his collar higher again.

“Snow clouds!” pointed Kerry. “Do you think it’s coming this way?” “Snow report says missing Big Bear Village. For now,” said David cautiously.

Kerry turned his head as the sound of snow falling from a tree thudded against the white forest floor. David touched Kerry’s shoulder and pointed further up ahead of the girls. Several deer were lumbering through the snow and heading back into the forest.

“It’s going to be busy today, isn’t it, Dad?” “Yeah,” he smiled quietly and thankfully. “Will I still be able to go walking with my friends after twelve?” asked Kerry. “Sure… Greg is on for you from twelve. You guys can jump in and give us a hand tomorrow for the big Saturday crowd. How’s that sound?” Kerry already knew the arrangements. “Sounds great,” he smiled.

The chairlift reached the top and they changed onto the number‑two lift, which took them to the top of Pokoh Mountain. Catelyn and Tara were waiting for David and Kerry. On reaching the top, Kerry turned up his iPod and the four twisted and turned down the ski run, ploughing through the fresh snow.

It had been months since Kerry was on his board, yet it felt like an old familiar friend. His favourite songs played loudly in his ears as he glided from side to side with his family, enjoying a wonderful first run of the season. New songs, a new year — and some things are never the same.

Soon they came to the end of the run and shuffled into place to go back up. Harry sat watching all his chairs go round. “One more time, thanks Harry,” smiled Tara. “You’re very welcome, Tara. Good run?” “Fantastic!” replied Tara.

Chelsea and Becky were waiting for Tara and Catelyn. They took the chairlift together this time. All four chatted tirelessly about the upcoming season.

The Deans all arrived back at the Big Bear Ski Hire in great spirits. David pushed open the side door to the shop and Kerry, Tara and Catelyn followed him inside. Their boots echoed noisily across the blue marine carpet that lined the whole ski‑hire shop. They hung up their skis and poles onto rows that would look impressive and colourful to the customer, then hurriedly prepared for opening time.

Soon, people were already gathering out front, waiting for the doors to open.

Come 8 a.m., David and Kerry were busy fitting skis, snowboards and boots with Carl and Brenda. Tara hired out the clothes, attended to the small gift shop and collected the money, with help from Catelyn and a casual worker called Britney. They didn’t sell food or drinks — there were two vending machines for that purpose near the front door.

Arrival

 

 

A bus led a dozen cars into Big Bear Village, full of customers behind a large snowplough. The bus pulled up out the front of the local petrol station at its designated stop. Speakers hanging near the petrol pumps started playing Bad Moon Rising by CCR. People poured out excitedly and waited for bags, or headed to the back of the bus to gather their own skis or snowboards from the racks provided before heading for the hills.

Maddison, Jordan, Josh and Hayley stood together, looking around with familiarity. It had been a year since they were last here and, besides the fact that there was a lot more snow than last year, everything was nearly just the way they remembered it.

Maddison was tall for a fifteen‑year‑old girl. She wore a brand‑new red ski suit unzipped, showing a cream hound‑dog polyester‑rayon sweater. Her long sandy‑red hair was pushed up under her red beanie. Happy bright blue eyes surveyed the village.

Jordan was slightly shorter and wore black jeans and a brown sweater. He was muscular but slim. His hair was dark, and his Ray‑Bans — for the first time in months — were being used for their intended purpose. He was fourteen.

Hayley was younger at thirteen. She was also shorter, but broader in a cute, effeminate way. Her nose was large but becoming. She had green eyes and wore a blue ski jacket and black pants. She wore black sunglasses with white borders. Her hair was dyed black, though her natural colour was closer to light brown.

Josh was the youngest of the group at twelve. He wore a supermarket army jacket and black jeans. His hat was filled with badges. He was only slightly shorter than Jordan but leaned a lot. His eyes were brown and his hair was red. He bordered on skinny but had a broad face and was fitter and stronger than he looked.

They turned about and gathered their bags from the driver, then walked alongside the snow‑covered road up towards Big Bear Ski Hire. Snow began to fall again.

Kerry was attending to a bunch of customers and was distracted while looking at the clock, which had passed eleven o’clock. His friends were due to arrive pretty soon, he thought. Kerry smiled.

“There we are, sir. That should be right for you now.” “Thanks, buddy. I’ll enjoy giving these new skis a run. Appreciate that. See ya!” “Have fun!” smiled Kerry.

Kerry turned and saw his friends standing in the doorway, looking at him and smiling in their familiar way. He felt emotional. He had been looking forward to seeing them more than he realised. They all looked different, yet so familiar. He smiled back and waved them over.

“Can you fit this customer next, Carl?” asked Kerry. “Will do,” smiled Carl. “Oh, here’s Greg. Do you want him to take over from you?” “Yeah. Can I leave it with you?” smiled Kerry. “Sure, be happy to. Greg!” called Carl, waving him over.

Kerry walked a short distance to his approaching friends. Jordan, giving a big smile, hugged Kerry first.

“Hey, Skier! You’re looking well!” Kerry smiled. “You too, Jordan. Josh…” He shook Josh’s hand while Jordan still hugged him. Jordan let go. “Hi Maddison!” “Hi Kerry, there is absolutely heaps of snow out here this winter. That’s, like, really cool.” She smiled. “Santa’s come early,” smiled Kerry.

Maddison leaned forward and hugged him. “Good,” said Maddison.

“Hi Kerry. I’m ready for some skiing!” smiled Hayley. “Sorry… I’ve already been out for the day,” joked Kerry. “Then I better be off then.” Hayley pretended to leave, then gave Kerry a big smile and laughed.

David left the counter from Tara and Catelyn after helping several customers and walked over to the group. “Great to see you all again,” smiled David.

“I thought you weren’t coming, Josh?” Josh said thoughtfully, “My Dad didn’t want to drive me all the way, but since you all arranged to catch the bus—”

David interrupted. “Yeah, that’s right. Your Dad was very happy about the bus ride idea. Well, have fun, guys. I’ll see you later today.”

David walked back over to help a customer.

“Come on, we’ll go upstairs,” said Kerry.

Jordan, Maddison, Josh and Hayley followed Kerry to their bags and rucksacks, then headed through the sales counter, greeting Tara, Catelyn and Britney, before going through the door to the upstairs rooms.

One of a dozen customers asked, “Do you have accommodation?”

Tara replied politely, “No… that’s my son’s friends.”

“You’d do well with rooms here, Ma’am.” Tara smiled. She already had three people to clean up after.

Upstairs in the kitchen, everyone spread out and made themselves comfortable.

“Help yourselves to a drink,” Kerry suggested.

“Any beer?” asked Jordan. “Jordan?” scolded Hayley disapprovingly.

Kerry smiled. “You’d have to ask my Dad, but I don’t like your chances.”

Maddison leaned against the doorway. “I wouldn’t mind a hot chocolate for now, please.”

“Ah… sure, there’s some here somewhere,” explained Kerry, opening the pantry and bringing some out.

Kerry began to get out the cups and, to his surprise — then recollection — found everyone helping themselves.

“The bus ride up was terrible,” informed Hayley.

Hayley brought some milk out of the fridge and grabbed a milkshake glass from the flat shelf above the kitchen bench.

“Ah, sorry,” sympathised Kerry.

Kerry grabbed a soda from a crate on the floor and sat down, watching his friends happily.

Theatrically, Hayley said, “On the bus I had this older guy who wouldn’t leave me alone.”

“So she tells him I’m single,” mused Maddison. “Can you believe it?”

Maddison switched on the electric kettle to boil some water.

Kerry, unsure, said, “No… I mean, yes. I guess.”

“He’s old enough to be my Dad,” laughed Maddison. “And don’t ever use me like that again, Hayley,” she smiled ruefully.

“I told him I think my sister just wants to be left alone,” said Jordan, digging out a spoon he liked from the drawer. He spooned some instant coffee into a cup.

Josh sat down with a soda next to Kerry. Kerry smiled and took a sip.

“I liked it. It was a cool way to see everything. Higher up than my Dad’s car,” said Josh. “Yeah… all good really,” added Jordan.

Jordan encouraged the water to boil.

“How’s the new school going, Maddison?” continued Kerry.

Maddison looked out the window and a smile slowly embellished her face. “Made the cheerleader squad!” stated Maddison.

“As if there was any doubt,” smirked Josh. The boys giggled.

Maddison continued, “Just broke up with one of the football players. I think ‘too demanding’ is a good way to describe him. You wouldn’t be too demanding, would you, Josh honey?”

Josh smiled, though he knew Maddison was only joking.

“I passed all my exams and I’m starting in a new drama group a few weeks after I get back.” She took a sip. “Not much else to talk about. Lots of shopping. We went to the new unimproved Disneyland.”

“Is it?” asked Hayley.

“And I’ve been looking forward to coming up here to see you, Kerry.” Maddison flashed Kerry a quick smile as she sat down on a pine chair next to the window.

Hayley turned on a noisy blender. “My turn,” she shouted. “I’ve got a new boyfriend!”

They waited for Hayley until she finished mixing her milkshake.

“Poor guy,” whispered Jordan to Kerry, smiling.

“What’s his name?” asked Kerry.

“Red… but his real name is Pat.” Hayley found a straw from a jar on the shelf, ripped open the paper wrapping and plunged it in.

“You never told me you had a new boyfriend on the bus? Whatever happened to Mark?” asked Maddison.

“He moved away to New York. Anyway… I took up water skiing in the summer. My brother Brendan wanted me to do paragliding, but I’m not ready for that yet.” Her straw made a sucking noise. “Yum… School exams went well. I got good results in Maths and English and I hit a homer for my baseball team in the final. We still lost.”

Kerry looked shocked. “Wow!”

“By two runs in the bottom of the ninth,” she concluded.

“Did you really hit a homer?” questioned Josh, unsure. “I wouldn’t lie about that,” frowned Hayley.

“Wow, that all sounds amazing, Hayley. What about you, Josh?” asked Maddison, also doubtful.

Josh fiddled with his American flag badge. “I have a new friend called Beth at the moment. She’s gone up north for a week with her family to their cabin in Seattle.” He spun his bottle in both hands. “I received good grades in Science, Computer Studies, Maths, English… and that’s about all worth mentioning for now. I’ll save the rest for later.”

They all looked at Jordan.

Jordan took a sip of his coffee while looking out the window at the view. He looked unhappy. “You guys are hitting me out of the park. I’m nowhere near walking‑in good exam results this year.”

“You’re passing though, right?” chipped in Josh helpfully.

Jordan shook his head. “I failed English by one mark and I’m just passing or failing my other subjects.”

No one said a word. Jordan always did well at school from what they remembered.

Kerry shrugged. “So you didn’t walk it in. It happens. What did you do on your summer vacation?”

Jordan looked thoughtfully at Kerry. “I spent all my summer vacation helping Dad. He broke his leg and I had to cut the grass, go to the shops, cook and clean. My life was hell!”

Maddison looked horrified. “Are you serious? Oh my goodness, Jordan… that’s terrible! It’s nice that you looked after your Dad though.”

Jordan shrugged. “Thanks. Yeah… it was terrible.”

Hayley was unsympathetic. “How did he break it?”

Jordan grinned. “Hunting ducks.”

Maddison cringed. “How barbaric. I have pet ducks at home.”

“Fell off a log when he shot one. Straight onto a large rock. Had to hobble back to the car nearly two miles away while leaning on my shoulder. It sucked! Big time!”

Maddison bit her tongue and didn’t say what she was thinking.

“Made me go and get the dead bird though,” said Jordan.

Josh laughed. “Sounds like your Dad.”

Maddison and Hayley looked unimpressed.

“That leaves you, Skier,” said Jordan, turning to Kerry. They all knew Jordan’s long‑term nickname for Kerry was Skier.

Kerry smiled. “Yeah… so, I passed my exams. I’ve agreed not to change schools. I’ll be staying close to home next year, so sorry — I won’t be coming back. I’ll probably take over the business one day. I like it. I like working hard. But this summer just gone…” Kerry thought about it and said modestly, “I just worked with my Dad fixing some new flooring and hiring out the sailboats for Jed. But it was okay.”

He smiled.

“That sounds like fun!” smiled Hayley. “But I didn’t think you were coming back. The lake here in summer is beautiful.”

“So have you got a girlfriend up here?” Josh asked.

Kerry shrugged. “I know a few girls around here and at school who are friends, but no relationship thing. Well, I guess it would be Earl’s turn, but he’s not here this year so…”

“I miss him already,” sighed Maddison. “We all do,” said Jordan.

Josh made a mysterious voice. “So that only leaves one thing left to do.”

They all smiled. They knew what Josh meant. It was time to walk to their reunion cave.

 

Setting Off

Angel watched Wakanda race past him. The street was still quiet. Now he noticed a group of young people coming out a side door of the ski hire. Angel felt alarmed by them, though he didn’t know why. A feeling of trouble seemed to be around them. He stopped and watched them.

Kerry, Maddison, Jordan, Josh and Hayley stood ready together outside the front of the Ski Hire. Jordan and Maddison had rucksacks. Hayley, Kerry and Josh only had their snow jackets, carrying just a few items.

They all noticed a young American Native boy standing some distance away in the snow, watching them with his husky dog. The dog started to bark.

“Who’s that?” asked Jordan. “That’s Angel,” waved Kerry. “But I’ve heard some people call him Snow Angel.”

Angel waved back and smiled a little. They stared for a while longer before Angel turned to follow his white and brown husky, Wakanda.

Hayley took the first step and, like penguins at the start of a long march, they ambled off together, their destination already inbuilt.

They walked towards the edge of Lake Mini. The lake showed transparent bubbles in the icy water’s edge and was deserted. A family on snowmobiles noisily passed by, smiling.

A dull sun failed to momentarily shine onto the lake. They stopped at times and gathered snowballs, tossing them about playfully while admiring the view or seeing who could throw the best.

After walking for fifteen minutes, they went up the steep West Range Road that headed away from the resort. They admired the large trees covered in new snow, towering alongside the road. Vehicles passed by regularly, causing them to stand aside until the traffic had passed safely. They couldn’t use the path here because it was too icy. The salt on the road kept it safe to walk on.

After twenty minutes, they left the road and headed into the West Range Forest Walk. The snow had not taken hold of the ground under the cover of the large trees here.

Josh started to chant a Native American chant he had taught them last year from the song Return to Innocence by Enigma. They all became more familiar with it again as they headed further and further into the forest. After a while, they sounded quite spiritual.

“Eh… ya. Hi ya hi ya hi ah… Hi, eh, hi eh yaa… Hi eh hi a ye a yaa…” they chanted. They didn’t get it quite right, though they were happy pretending.

Angel and Wakanda were on a rise above the trail. They listened to the group chanting like his cousin. He laughed as they walked past below, unaware of his and Wakanda’s presence. Angel noticed Hayley walking at the rear. Her blue ski jacket grabbed his attention. Angel felt instantly tense. He breathed out heavily. As he lost sight of the group, the feeling passed. Angel knew something was not right.

They eventually came out of the forest. In front of them was snow‑covered open ground, and it had just begun to snow again. Nearly a mile ahead was Reunion Cave. Josh thought the cave looked like the mouth of a mountain spirit. Strangely, the mouth looked fearful with the rushing clouds approaching them.

Maddison’s hair blew wildly in the wind as a light snow flurry began to fall decidedly heavier.

Passing over the mountains came what looked to Kerry like a snowstorm. Kerry looked to the sky and knew it was no good for them. They watched Kerry.

“We should turn back,” said Kerry. “What? We can’t — we’re almost there!” insisted Hayley, surprised by Kerry’s sudden announcement.

Jordan added, “And we’ve always done this walk without heading back when it’s snowed. Remember when we turned back two years ago and it stopped snowing, so we walked all the way back again?”

Kerry put on his gloves—

“Maybe this is the time we should turn back.”

Jordan was unconcerned. “What do you think, Josh?”

Josh looked at the heavy snowfall. “Well… it’s getting harder to see the cave. Maybe Kerry’s right.”

The large flurries of snow slowly increased.

“Maddison, what do you think?”

Maddison, feeling the snow brush her face, was too happy to be concerned yet. “We should listen to Kerry, really. Though… we could try going there, and if the snow doesn’t get any lighter, turn back?” suggested Maddison.

“Let’s just go!” said Hayley, heading off. “We’re nearly there. We can wait it out there, then head back. Come on!”

“Hayley, wait!” complained Kerry.

“Come on, Kerry… it’s just over there! We can all see the cave from here,” insisted Hayley.

“For now!” continued Kerry, annoyed with her.

“You’re overreacting,” replied Hayley. “Stop worrying.”

Jordan headed off after Hayley. Josh followed, then Maddison. Kerry watched them for a while before heading off quickly after them. He was nervous. His dad’s warnings echoed in his thoughts. He was upset his friends had not taken his warning seriously. Hayley was starting to annoy him.

 

Kerry watched things unfold with concern as they struggled through the gusty white snow. He lost sight of Maddison at one stage, and Jordan was too far off to the right. He hurried over to Jordan and led him back to Hayley. Kerry then got them to wait for Maddison and Josh, who were falling behind. The snow was getting deeper here, making it harder to walk.

“We’re almost there!” shouted Hayley.

“We shouldn’t have continued!” Kerry shouted back.

He tried to relax.

For the next fifteen minutes they awkwardly made their way to the bottom of Reunion Cave. Kerry now led them up the rocky path towards the entrance. He was sure two inches of snow had fallen in the last thirty minutes.

Maddison fell over and slid several feet. Jordan was knocked over and fell hard against a rock. Kerry helped Josh pull Maddison slowly back onto her feet. Hayley continued the final few feet into the cave, unaware of the fall.

Brushing off the snow, Jordan struggled to his feet with blood dripping from his nose. He was okay, but his bloody face didn’t look good. He pulled out his handkerchief and pinched his nose to stop the flow. Josh helped Maddison the final few feet into the cave. Kerry helped Jordan.

They all stood at the cave’s entrance and marvelled at the sight of the heavily falling snow. They could not see the forest now — just a dark‑coloured mass. They turned about, needing to sit, rest and catch their breath. Eventually they began taking quick looks at one another between welcoming the return of their normal heart rates and skin colour.

“I’m sorry, Jordan,” said Maddison, brushing away the snow. “I didn’t mean it.”

“Think nothing of it, Maddie.” He wiped his bloody nose. “I’m fine… I think?”

Jordan tried to walk but crouched down, feeling a little dizzy.

“What are we going to do if it doesn’t stop snowing?” asked Josh.

“Yeah, Hayley?” fumed Kerry.

Hayley was still unconcerned. “Come on, guys… we know where we are. We know this walk so well. The forest is straight ahead. It’s a well‑marked walk through the forest to the road, and there’s traffic passing through there all day long. What happened to your nose, Jordan?”

Jordan didn’t answer.

Kerry was unimpressed. “It’s two o’clock.”

“It probably won’t be snowing in an hour, so let’s just do the reunion and go,” suggested Josh.

Kerry looked out at the open ground to the forest and thought he could be right. “Maybe I worry too much? Once it stops snowing the forest will be easy to see, and from there it shouldn’t be too hard to get to the road,” shrugged Kerry, unsure.

“And we can always follow our tracks back to the forest the way we came,” said Hayley helpfully.

“Oh sure…” replied Kerry sarcastically. “If you could find our tracks under a foot of snow. Anyway… we better get started.”

“Okay,” agreed Hayley happily.

Josh suddenly remembered. “Wait! Earl made me leave a box of matches behind in a plastic bag last year.” He looked around. “There’s plenty of sticks and branches left from other people in the fire pit.”

Josh stepped up onto a large rock at the back of the cave and moved his hand around, looking for the matches on the high ledge.

“Hey, look!” said Josh, jumping down.

“Well done, Josh,” smiled Maddison. “Yeah, good,” agreed Jordan, taking the matches out of the plastic bag Josh handed him.

They all hurried to gather fuel for a fire in the pit, tearing up a computer magazine from Jordan’s rucksack to help light the twigs and sticks. If they got the fire going, there was a large old branch lying to the side of the pit — the one Earl had strongly suggested they might need one day. Josh had agreed, and last year the six of them had carried it, with difficulty, up to the cave. Today, those two preparations were coming in very handy.

Josh, slightly nervous, asked, “Should I light it now?”

Kerry nodded.

They all stood around the fire pit watching Josh as he struck a match, which fizzled out quickly.

“Light two at a time,” suggested Jordan. “And light the paper on both sides of the fire,” pointed out Maddison.

Josh ran the matches over the flint close to the fire. The paper began to burn.

Hayley clapped her hands.

“Now the other side, Josh!” encouraged Maddison.

Young Josh moved quickly to the other side.

“It’s catching!” smiled Josh. “Yeah, it’s catching,” agreed Kerry.

The other side failed to catch, but the first side grew as Kerry and Maddison dropped tiny twigs onto the flames until they could drop small sticks, then bigger sticks. Jordan added more paper.

“You did it!” clapped Hayley.

“Well done, guys… well done!” smiled Maddison.

“We should drag that big branch over it now,” suggested Kerry. “We’ll never get a better chance.”

“You’re right,” agreed Jordan. “Let’s do it,” said Josh, grabbing hold.

They all went over and dragged it in stages over to the well‑lit fire. Maddison and Hayley threw the rest of the sticks and twigs they could find in the cave. Soon the bark started to burn on the large branch.

They gathered their trinkets from the hidden ledge at the back of the cave and sat around the fire, holding their mementoes from previous years.

“I know this has been the most eventful start we’ve had, but wow! This is such a cool scene,” smiled Maddison excitedly. “Who wants a chocolate?”

“I’m starving,” announced Jordan. Hayley agreed.

Maddison handed out the little chocolates from a multi‑share bag. They were all more relaxed now and sipped on the different drinks they had in their rucksacks or pockets.

Josh, rubbing his hands over the fire, tuned in and began.

 

Time to Share

“First we should remember Earl. Here are his four trinkets: a stone, his phone, a harmonica and his school badge.”

“He’s seventeen at the end of the year,” said Kerry.

“Wow, that’s weird,” began Maddison. “It feels like just yesterday I was ten. How time flies.”

“Have you heard from Earl lately, Kerry?” asked Hayley.

“Only online. Said he’d call us later today. I haven’t spoken to him since he left with Josh’s dad this time last year. Yep, that’s the last we spoke.”

“You’re still remembered, Earl,” smiled Josh, looking around. “He’s like a brother to me. Remember the first year when my mum brought him up with Hayley?”

“That was so sweet,” smiled Maddison.

“He’ll always be close to us,” nodded Jordan.

“Who’s going first this year, Josh?” asked Hayley.

They all agreed.

Josh pulled his hat off and unclipped a plastic ring. “It’s my ring that Mary‑Lou gave me,” said Josh.

Maddison looked shocked. “You guys have been close for years.”

“Don’t you see her around anymore?” asked Kerry.

“He sees her around alright,” informed Jordan. “With a guy called Joe. She doesn’t see him at all anymore… right?”

Josh looked shy. “I know it’s only plastic.” He scratched his head. “But it used to mean something to me. We were friends since I was five.”

Maddison sighed. “Sorry, Josh.”

Hayley finally began to feel some compassion. “Yeah… I’m sorry, Josh.”

Josh began to cry. “I loved her company… I know she was two years older, but I thought we were always going to be friends. One day she just rings me up… and tells me she can’t see me anymore. Her new boyfriend said so.”

Kerry put his hand on his shoulder. “And now you’ve got Beth.”

Josh stopped crying. “Wow, I didn’t really think I would cry. Yeah… Beth’s great,” said Josh, wiping his eyes and smiling. “She really is. I don’t know what she sees in me?”

“I do,” smiled Maddison.

Hayley, sitting between Kerry and Maddison, said, “Me too. And this is the place to let it out, Josh.”

“I think I just did,” smiled Josh a little more, glancing at Hayley. “That’s why we’re here.”

Hayley smiled. “Yeah…” agreed Josh. “I never have too many hang‑ups. Maybe it’s because of doing this?”

Jordan nodded. “Cool trinket, Josh. I’ll never forget that one. Well… I brought my dad’s plaster cast from his broken leg.”

Everyone fell over with laughter as Jordan brought out part of his dad’s plaster cast from his rucksack.

“I wondered why your rucksack felt hard,” laughed Josh.

“I like all the doodles,” smiled Kerry.

Maddison took it from Jordan. “This one says, ‘Let me outta here!’”

“That’s my little brother’s writing,” informed Jordan.

Maddison read a few more. “‘I’d like to thank the cast and crew.’ Oh… I get it. ‘Next time I’ll do both?’ That’s terrible!” laughed Maddison.

They all gathered around reading the cast.

“I can’t quite get that itch,” laughed Josh. “That’s one of mine,” grinned Jordan. “It’s true.”

Maddison smiled at Hayley, who pointed at one she liked. Everyone was relaxed and happy now and had put aside their concerns about the snow that continued to fall heavily outside.

Hayley giggled. “That one’s rude… I can’t repeat that!”

“Sorry, that’s Peter’s — Dad’s buddy. There are no more rude ones on it, I think?” explained Jordan.

Hayley looked relieved.

“What’s this one? It says, the strain I’ve gained, feels mainly in the pain. What on earth does that mean?”

Josh laughed. “I think it’s a play on words from an old movie.”

Hayley pointed. “What do all the pen strokes mean?”

“That was me — marking down the last seven days before Dad could get it removed.”

Kerry took it from Hayley. “I’m plastered! Ha ha.”

“What’s that mean?” asked Hayley.

Kerry smiled. “It’s an English term for being drunk. You’ve got a few years to go before that happens to you, I hope.”

“Dad did have a few too many one night,” explained Jordan. “Ended up falling over. The howl he let out could have been heard from here.”

Kerry passed the cast back to Jordan and pulled out a photo from his pocket. “I brought this photo,” smiled Kerry.

Jordan took it. “Is that us?”

“Yeah. Mum took it the first time you all came up here. There’s your old blue cap, Josh.”

Josh accepted the photo. “I look like a baby,” frowned Josh.

“You still do,” laughed Hayley.

“You were turning eight, I think,” smiled Maddison.

“Nine in January,” said Jordan.

“I like your haircut in that photo, Hayley,” Josh commented.

Hayley impatiently took the photograph. “Oh, give me a look… Nah… I don’t like it. We all look so different then.”

Maddison laughed. “Look at my hair… it’s pretty short.” Though she thought it suited her.

“My hair’s long there!” approved Jordan. “I don’t remember having my hair past my shoulders.”

“I do,” Kerry admitted. “Me too,” said Josh.

“I don’t remember it being that long either,” pondered Hayley.

“I like it now, but I also like the way you wore it then,” said Maddison, drinking the last mouthful from her can.

The fire was burning well now. Some sparks rose to the twenty‑foot‑high ceiling. They were warm, though it was too cold for the stones and rocks to contain much heat any distance from the fire.

Maddison opened her pocket. “I didn’t know what to bring, so I wrote this letter‑come‑poem. I hope you guys like it.”

Maddison paused and coughed.

“We will,” smiled Josh, knowing Maddison’s poems were always pretty good.

They watched Maddison open the poem.

“Here it goes,” smiled Maddison.

She took her time. Everyone got a little more comfortable and looked forward to her poem.

 

Maddison’s Poem 

Five years ago we joined an acting class, With a need to make new friendships last. We laughed and cried and made mistakes, Instead of laughing at me, said I was great.

We played our roles, with each we shared. When audiences disliked us, at least you cared. With your support, I’m Queen of Norse, Both fair and just, Kerry, her Consort.

Not much more than kids, but still approachable. We’re closer now than we ever thought possible. The curtain has closed on the stage we did share, But we still show our love once a year at Big Bear.

Only five in this cave, we let go of our past, And try to be brave as we learn to adjust. May spirits and Angels protect us because, We can’t make a fuss for the things that we’ve lost.

With snowy weather, we arrive by bus, This can’t go on forever. When there used to be, The six of us.

 

“That was awesome, Maddison,” smiled Josh.

Jordan rubbed his leg. “That was real nice, Maddie.”

“Best poem yet,” smiled Kerry. “My Queen.”

Maddison smiled.

“It was okay,” said Hayley. “You’re right though — nothing ever lasts.”

“I loved how your picture was in the local paper for Queen of Norse. That was my favourite of yours,” smiled Josh.

Kerry breathed heavily out. “I guess that’s why we still do this. Because one day we’ll all be somewhere else, and instead of five it’ll be four or three… or just me. We’re like family. I hope we stay in touch. But I guess we’re all learning nothing stays the same as we grow up.”

“You’re right, Skier. We are like family,” smiled Jordan. “But I’m not sure about you at the moment, Hayley,” he teased.

“Hey?” frowned Hayley. “I said it was good.”

“No you didn’t,” said Josh. “You said it was okay. Anyway,” smiled Josh, “we might come back here next year and all our stuff could be gone. Then it’s all just a memory. And that’s just part of the way we play — we’ll remember, right? Even as things change, we still remember.”

“But what happens to us when there’s nothing left to remember?” continued Kerry.

“What?” grunted Jordan, unsure.

“What I mean is… what happens when we all find someone we want to stay with? Their feelings are going to be more important than us remaining friends. Just like Mary‑Lou and Earl.”

Everyone looked intently at each other. They knew it wouldn’t last much longer.

“I guess that just leaves me,” interrupted Hayley, unzipping her pocket.

Kerry turned and looked out at the snow still falling heavily outside.

Hayley lifted up her water bottle and took a sip. She looked shy, and everyone noticed.

“This is going to sound a little funny to you guys, but… I didn’t bring anything this year.”

Josh stared in disbelief. “You what?… Why not?”

Maddison laughed and put her hand to her face. Kerry smiled and placed his hands out to the fire. Jordan just waited to hear her story.

Kerry said calmly, “So come on — what is it you’re up to this time, Hayley?”

Everyone awaited her answer.

“I didn’t bring anything because… I want to take something back.”

“Awww…” reacted Josh, very impressed. “Take something back. That’s new. New is good!”

“Well, that explains why you were so damn keen to keep going,” Kerry quipped.

“Sorry. That’s true,” said Hayley.

“Do any of you remember the first item I had at the cave?”

“I’m not sure… an animal of some kind?” guessed Maddison quickly.

“Yes,” Hayley smiled.

“It was a small bird,” remarked Josh.

“Yeah… a white bird,” said Kerry.

“That’s right,” said Jordan, unsure. “A snow bird?”

“Quick — you guys sure do have good memories.”

Hayley jumped up to retrieve her snow bird at the back of the cave. After removing what looked like a bird’s nest, she saw it. It looked different to how she remembered it.

“It’s this little snow bird. I want to take it back with me.”

Hayley picked it up from amongst her other things and hurried back to the fire.

“Here’s the story. Before I came up that first winter, I went with my mum to a souvenir shop on Sixteenth Avenue in Denver. The bird, I think, belongs to Native American folklore — a snow‑bird spirit. I only used it because that’s the only thing I had at the time in my rucksack that I thought I could use.”

“Like we all did except Josh,” recalled Maddison.

“So…” smiled Hayley. “It turns out that the young boy standing beside his dad who served me that day was — I mean is — my new boyfriend, Red!”

“Oh my goodness! That’s amazing!” smiled Maddison with delight.

“Very cool. Spiritual,” decided Jordan.

“Not only that — he put it in the bag for his dad and handed it to me,” shared Hayley.

Josh was amazed. “It’s just another thing about this thing we’ve been doing. Like… it was meant to be somehow — this whole thing, this life together. It’s all attached. Whatever we do, it comes back on us. Look — when you first came here, Kerry, you said you would never leave Big Bear. I said I was going to lose Mary‑Lou in three years. Earl isn’t in that picture you brought, Kerry.”

“That’s right! We all know he was beside Mum,” said Kerry.

“I’m sure you said after your mum left, you’d probably start failing your grades in a couple of years or something like that?” said Josh, looking at Jordan, who looked alarmed.

“I agree,” said Hayley. “It feels that way. It’s all connected.”

Kerry accepted the snow bird from Hayley and studied it.

Maddison asked, “Well, what about me, Josh? Do you remember what I said — or wished — or whatever?” she giggled.

Josh stood up and looked out at the snow. He suddenly turned around quickly, looking frightened.

“What?” asked Jordan keenly. “What did you remember?” asked Hayley. “Well don’t leave us in suspense, Josh,” half‑smiled Maddison.

“I remember,” said Kerry.

“What?” asked Maddison, looking concerned at Kerry’s expression.

Josh spoke. “You kept joking every time any snow fell from a tree, or the sky, or a roof, that one of us was bound to get buried alive under the snow,” said Josh.

“But I didn’t say it here,” retorted Maddison.

“Yeah, you did,” said Jordan. “Everywhere.”

“I was only ten,” pointed out Maddison.

 

The Compass

Kerry was momentarily excited. “Hey — I’ve got my compass on me.”

He jumped up.

“That means we can go in the direction of…” Kerry aimed the compass toward the forest from the edge of the cave. “West! The compass points almost due west to the forest. Even if we can’t see it now, we know it’s there, right? And the road runs right alongside it for miles out of Big Bear.”

“Definitely,” agreed Josh. He stood and pointed. “It’s straight ahead to the West Range Forest Walk from here. I remember!”

“Well done, Skier,” smiled Jordan.

“What a relief. Now I can relax,” sighed Maddison.

Kerry said, “I hate to do this to you so soon, Hayley, but it’s coming up to three o’clock, and I don’t want to worry my folks, so… we agreed to go after the ceremony. Right?”

“I’m definitely ready. Though it would have been even more amazing if the compass had been part of what you’d brought or left,” smiled Josh.

“I’m ready,” said Maddison.

“Do you think I want to stay here tonight?” “Yeah, it’ll be literally freezing,” said Jordan, rubbing his hands excitedly, wanting to leave.

“Maybe we could come back here again before we go at the end of the week, if you guys want to?”

No one replied to Josh. Everyone just wanted to get back safely.

“I’ll just leave my ring.”

They all walked over and watched Josh drop it onto his mementoes.

“My dad’s cast,” said Jordan. “Mary‑Lou’s ring,” said Josh. “My poem,” said Maddison. “Our first photograph,” said Kerry.

“Well… let’s go!”

Kerry handed Hayley back her snow bird and she placed it into her jacket pocket.

“What about the fire… shouldn’t we put it out?” asked Maddison.

“It’s not like it could spread. I mean, it’s pretty white out there,” concluded Jordan.

Hayley walked towards the entrance. “Let’s just go!” she said.

“Wait!” said Kerry.

Hayley stopped.

Kerry looked out at the blizzard. He was scared. It had seemed so easy a minute ago.

“I’ll go first, Hayley. Seeing I have the compass,” half‑smiled Kerry.

Kerry, Jordan, Maddison, Josh and Hayley slowly descended the snow‑covered rocky path to the bottom. After a few steps it came up to their knees. They could still make out their initial tracks that led them here, but the further they went, the more the snow had covered them.

“It’s a little deeper!” shouted Hayley.

They were all struggling in the snow. The snow whipped at their faces, the noisy wind shifting the sound when they spoke.

Kerry shouted to Jordan, “We have to stay all together! Stay close! Pass it down the line!”

Jordan shouted to Maddison, “We better stay close together!”

Maddison said to Josh, “Stay together!”

Josh said to Hayley, “If you don’t stay with us, we won’t find you in this blizzard!”

“Okay!” shouted Hayley.

The snow blew even harder onto them and the wind was becoming severe. Kerry once or twice thought he could make out the forest but couldn’t tell if it was dark cloud or the tree line. He checked the compass — still the right direction.

He stopped and turned to look at the cave. They’d covered five hundred feet since leaving it, and he was already finding it hard to make out. Kerry felt this was the heaviest snow he had seen in years.

They pressed on.

Soon Kerry felt they would be at the point of no return.

Jordan, not looking up, was swinging his arms quickly to stay warm.

As Kerry stopped and turned around, the compass was knocked flying from his hand — and he didn’t see which direction it went.

Kerry stood there aghast, ignoring Jordan’s laughter, and began frantically searching the snow for the compass.

“Will you guys stop fooling around!” shouted Maddison.

“Damn!” snapped Kerry.

“Sorry,” laughed Jordan.

“No… I’ve dropped the compass, Maddison,” said Kerry, scared.

Each handful of snow failed to find the compass, bringing up only snow. They couldn’t see the cave anymore, or the forest either. They could head the wrong way straight onto the lake.

“Guys, I need your help!”

They listened.

“I dropped the compass. Help me look for it.”

They all came up around Kerry and began scooping and pushing aside the snow, trying to find the compass. After five minutes of fruitless searching, the tension built. They didn’t find it. In fact, Kerry was standing on it and had pushed it deeper out of sight.

“It’s like looking for a needle in a snowstorm!” complained Maddison, upset.

“We’ll have to turn back for the cave!” explained Kerry.

The snow stung their faces. The wind was freezing now. They all looked a little frightened. Josh looked at Maddison, who quickly looked away.

“If we stray out onto the lake, the ice wouldn’t be thick enough yet,” explained Kerry. “We can’t chance it. We have to retrace our steps. I’ve lost sight of the cave. We’re close to getting into real danger, guys. Do you understand?”

They all looked at each other in shock, their sunglasses covering the panic in their eyes.

Jordan supported him. “Whatever you say, Skier. You’re the boss out here. Sorry about knocking it out of your hand. I feel terrible.”

Kerry nodded appreciatively. “Okay! Let’s go back!”

No one argued.

Hayley retraced their steps and they went back in reverse order. The snow blew overhead as Hayley kept her eyes down. She said it was easy for her to retrace their steps. Though nobody spoke, they were all hoping Hayley wasn’t making a mistake.

Kerry walked to the front and, to his bewilderment, Hayley had not followed their tracks.

“Crap, Hayley! Where are you leading us?” said Kerry.

“I thought this way was quicker!” she suggested.

“Everyone listen!” shouted Kerry.

They all gathered close.

“I’m going to take thirty paces that way. Hopefully I find our tracks back where we came from.”

They watched as Kerry walked off the way they’d come. They nearly lost sight of him before his return slowly enhanced his appearance.

“It’s over this way, guys!” said Kerry, managing a pretend smile. He wasn’t happy.

He turned about and they followed. He kept looking to make sure they were all behind him.

Kerry was panicking after ten minutes. There was still no cave in sight. He scratched away the ice from his glasses with the back of his icy glove while moving forward. Kerry’s deep breaths rang in his ears.

A shadow came across his vision, then again. Suddenly, Kerry could just make out the hill where the cave lay. He stopped and turned about, pointing ahead. Slowly they all nodded in understanding.

Nearly ten minutes later, they reached the path that would take them up into the cave. They carefully climbed to the top with no accidents this time, but nowhere near as excited.

The fire was still burning, but half the size it had been. The branch at its thickest part would burn for an hour yet. Josh began gathering whatever he could find in the way of fuel for the fire. Jordan helped.

Hayley looked at Kerry and Maddison unhappily. They were damp.

“It’s my fault, isn’t it?” cried Hayley.

Jordan turned to her. “Your fault? I’m the idiot who caused Kerry to drop the compass! We were almost there!”

“It’s not going to help any of us if we start feeling guilty. We’re all in this together. Like always, okay?” said Maddison. “This is our most challenging play yet.”

“I was so keen to get here and get this,” Hayley said, showing them the snow‑bird. “I didn’t want to stop. We’ve always gotten here easy.”

Kerry said, “All we can do now is wait for the snow to stop, or I’ll have to call Dad on my mobile phone. But you know what? I don’t think it’s going to stop snowing.”

“God… do we need rescuing, Kerry?” said Maddison.

“There’s no doubt about it, Maddie,” said Jordan.

Hayley cringed.

“Call if you want. We shouldn’t leave it too much longer. I would, but my phone’s in my bag back at the ski‑hire kitchen,” informed Josh. “I didn’t think I’d need it.”

“Mine too,” said Jordan.

“I’ve still got mine in my pocket,” said Hayley.

“Mine’s here in my rucksack somewhere,” explained Maddison, looking through her bag.

“Well, I’ll give it ten minutes. If it doesn’t stop snowing, I’ll call,” said Kerry. “The snow’s not following the weather forecast at all.”

Kerry felt too proud to be rescued. He wanted to save his friends.

 

Snowstorm

Back at Big Bear, David was talking to Tara.

“They don’t want us to hire out any more skis, Tara.”

“Is that from Sam or Sheriff Milford?” she asked.

“Both. Sheriff says the weather guys have changed the warning from moderate to severe. He says it’s his job here as Sheriff to start winding the day up early. Snow report says not easing until tomorrow.”

“Sorry, sir,” explained David.

“Yeah, I heard,” said the customer. “No problem for us. We’re booked in at Cubs Bunks Overnight. We’re happy about the storm. Plenty of silly white stuff all week.”

“No more hiring of skis or boards today, folks, sorry. Order of village management and the Sheriff’s office.”

A dozen customers looked disappointed and began to leave.

“Tomorrow? Where did Kerry and the gang go?” asked Tara.

“I don’t know. I thought you knew?” said David.

Tara looked alarmed. “I thought you knew?”

David sighed. “Well, Kerry’s not stupid. He knows not to go off too far when the weather’s like this.”

“Yeah, I know. But he’s not by himself,” said Tara, giving a customer a refund. “I’ll contact Sam Prestt at Centre Management and get him to make a check for us if anyone knows of Kerry’s whereabouts.”

David walked over to the phone and picked it up.

David looked at Tara. “The line’s dead!”

David and Tara looked at each other thoughtfully.

As a customer left the shop, a large amount of snow slid off the roof and knocked him over.

 

“Wakanda won’t stop barking, Father!” said Angel.

“Hmm, there is something troubling out there to your Wakanda,” suggested Tarlo.

Wakanda continued to bark at the back door.

“Should I take him out?” asked Angel, unsure.

“Don’t be gone long,” said Tarlo.

As Angel was about to open the door, Woya said, “Wait… take your torch.”

“A torch?” thought Tarlo. “Hmm… yes, a torch.”

Angel went back to his room, retrieved his torch, then left the house with Wakanda.

“Angel!” called Tarlo.

Angel came back to the door as Wakanda ran on.

“If you have to leave Wakanda, leave him. He will be stronger than you in the snow,” nodded Tarlo.

Angel hurried off, running after Wakanda. He watched as Wakanda stopped and waited for him. Then, once he caught up, Wakanda hurried off again to wherever he was taking Angel.

Angel noticed many cars leaving early behind a giant snowplough. Though there were dozens of groups playing about in the snow close to their cabins, houses and accommodation.

Soon Angel was charging up and down hills as fast as he could. Wakanda would stop every five minutes or so, lick some snow, and rest with Angel. Just when Angel thought Wakanda had finished, he would head off again.

 

“Well, here goes. Calling Dad! Damn — my phone says no signal,” grumbled Kerry.

“Mine too!” cringed Hayley.

Maddison brought out her mobile and sighed. “No reception either. Crap.”

Kerry shook his head. “No signal, and only a chocolate bar, an orange juice and my torch in my pocket.”

Josh knew his rations. “I’ve only got a sandwich and a bottle of soda.”

Jordan looked in his rucksack. “A piece of cake, a bottle of water and a thin sleeping bag — minus one Daddy’s cast.”

“I’ve only got a muesli bar and half a bag of boiled candy,” said Hayley.

Maddison casually said, “I’ve got a sleeping bag. A torch. A soda. Six sticks of gum…”

She opened her rucksack and brought out:

“Eighteen small chocolate bars… a can of beans… a can of beef,” she smiled, taking them out.

“I love beef,” smiled Josh.

Maddison smiled. “That’s for you.”

She handed Josh the beef and continued.

“A bag of candy… two juices… and a banana cake my mother bought me. ‘You don’t want to go hungry,’ Mum said. Six napkins…”

Everyone started to laugh.

“…toothpicks… paper plates, plastic knives and forks, spoons, and a small loaf of bread… small butters. And four cheese sticks. Um… that’s all, folks.”

She laughed. “I brought lunch!”

Josh pretended to fall over. “We’re going to starve to death!”

“Yeah… I’ll have the beef,” smiled Jordan, picking up the can.

Josh sat up. “Hey… Maddison brought that for me!”

Jordan tossed the beef to Josh.

“We’ll share everything,” said Kerry.

“That’s Josh’s,” frowned Hayley.

“From now on, Hayley, I’ll be making some decisions. Final decisions,” frowned Kerry.

“I feel a bit better now knowing we’ve got some food,” said Hayley, still somewhat upset with Kerry.

“That’s awesome, Maddison,” smiled Josh. “You don’t have any wood in there as well, do you?”

Maddison proudly said, “I don’t think so?” pretending to look through her bag.

“We should eat!” suggested Hayley.

Maddison nodded in agreement. “Yeah. Let’s eat!”

Maddison shared out the food. Kerry spooned out the beans onto the plates. Josh spooned out the beef. Maddison didn’t want any beef but she loved cheese sticks. Jordan cut the bread and buttered it. Hayley cut the cake into slices.

Everyone was relieved to eat and gain back their strength.

 

Back at Big Bear, in the Ranger’s Station, Kerry’s parents were becoming worried.

“It’s getting darker earlier with this nasty weather,” complained Tara.

David looked at his watch as Sam, the head ranger, got off the walkie‑talkie to Sheriff Kurt Milford.

Sam said, “Sorry, David,” and shook his head. “Nobody’s seen them since twelve, when they walked out towards Lake Mini.”

David finally looked worried.

Sam continued, “I’m going to meet James and Brad on their snowmobiles down at Lake Mini and take a look around. Don’t worry too much yet, David. Just get back to your ski‑hire and get those customers of yours out of here and close shop. They’re closing the road tonight.”

“Yeah, right. I will, Sam. Thanks.”

David grunted out a cough.

“Thanks for looking. They’re probably back at the ski‑hire right now.”

David and Tara managed a smile as they headed for the door.

“Just keep your walkie‑talkie on you and I’ll call you as soon as I hear anything. Phone should be back on within the hour,” smiled the ranger.

 

Angel sat on a rock resting. As he listened to the howling wind, he started to have visions of Kerry and his friends. He felt one of them was in grave danger. Wakanda began to whine. Angel felt unhappy and unsettled. He knew that was how he felt when something bad was about to happen.

He checked his torch as the darkness approached. Wakanda jumped up and headed up the West Range Road.

 

The darkness was encroaching quicker as the lifts had all shut early. David, Tara and Catelyn received the last set of skis hired out, and the couple left slowly through the exit door after explaining they were booked in in town already.

“That’s the lot,” said David positively.

“Where are they, honey?” asked Tara.

“I don’t know.” David shook his head. “But now our job’s done, I’m heading out on the snowmobile to take a look myself.”

The door opened. They looked with anticipation.

“Did I leave my sunglasses here?” asked a customer. He saw them resting on the counter. “Ah… here they are. Thanks again, folks!”

Tara, professional as always, added, “Thank you. Come back and see us again.”

David followed him out.

“David?” called Tara.

David stopped and looked back.

“Find them, honey.”

David nodded and left.

 

The fire had burnt down. The cave was becoming dark.

Kerry said sadly, “Still no signal, and it’s still snowing horses. I don’t know what to do.”

“We could take our chances,” suggested Jordan.

“Not me,” said Maddison. “I’m staying here until the morning if I have to. Sorry, guys. Maybe then it won’t be snowing. I don’t know. Maybe?”

“I never thought we’d ever end up trapped here,” commented Josh.

The temperature was dropping fast and the heat had left the cave as the winter wind blew snow in again. Everyone shivered. Fear began to grow in their thoughts. They didn’t know what to say.

 

David turned his noisy snowmobile away and headed back into the forest. It was tough going even for the snowmobile in the deep snow. He had no way of knowing they were just over a mile away, straight ahead from where he was looking.

 

Hayley suddenly screamed.

“We’re trapped!”

Kerry rushed to her side with everyone else.

“Come on, Hayley. We’re going to be alright. Just a little cold.”

Maddison pulled out her sleeping bag. “We’ve got two sleeping bags tonight. Remember?”

“Really?” shivered Hayley. “Can I share with you, Jordan?”

“Yeah. Of course,” smiled Jordan.

“That’s a good idea, Maddison,” said Kerry encouragingly.

“We’ll still walk out of here, Hayley,” said Josh. “I know we will.”

“I’m sorry… I just got a bit frightened, like… and I always scream when I get frightened,” explained Hayley.

Maddison sat with Hayley and Josh as Kerry and Jordan walked away to discuss their plan quietly.

“Any ideas?” asked Kerry quietly.

“A nice warm bath?” joked Jordan.

“Thank God we’ve got those sleeping bags here tonight to stay warm,” said Kerry.

“Who’s going to miss out?” asked Jordan, looking outside.

“Me. We should all get organised now and sleep huddled together so we don’t freeze,” suggested Kerry.

“Hayley’s been wanting a chance to get close to you for ages, so be wary,” smiled Kerry.

Jordan, very seriously, said, “I’m frightened, Kerry. We can’t get out of here.”

“Safer here than out there. But it’s our only play left. We’ve got to keep warm,” said Kerry.

“Okay, Kerry. I’d call you Skier, but I’m feeling less confident right now,” frowned Jordan.

“Call me Skier when we get out of this, then,” half‑smiled Kerry, tapping Jordan’s shoulder encouragingly.

“Will do,” nodded Jordan, giving a thumbs‑up.

“If you and I stick together through this, it’ll help keep everyone calm. You and Hayley. Josh and Maddison — first shift. I’ll sleep in the middle of the two bags on the empty rucksacks. Wishful thinking, isn’t it, J‑Man? As if I’ll get any sleep.”

They both looked at the little firelight left.

“Ready?” asked Jordan.

Kerry turned about. “Alright everyone! Let’s get in those sleeping bags. Hopefully come morning there’s a whole lot of sunshine!”

“There’s only room for four in the two sleeping bags. Who’s going to miss out?” asked Maddison.

Jordan helped out. “Kerry misses out first, then me. He’ll sleep between the two sleeping bags. We better hurry and get ready, ’cause the fire will be out soon and we’ve got to keep up our body heat.”

“Sure,” said Josh sadly.

“Where are we going to set up?” asked Maddison, unrolling her expensive green sleeping bag.

“At the back of the fire. Here, where it’s mostly flat,” explained Kerry. “Later, once the fire has totally gone out, we could move the ashes aside and sleep within it. The ground will be warmer there — and the rocks around it.”

It was dark as they climbed into the sleeping bags with their shoes off. Kerry waited until Jordan and Hayley had stopped moving, then watched as they both wriggled closer to Maddison and Josh. Kerry moved closer to Maddison and Josh, and Jordan and Hayley struggled over closer some more to Kerry.

“How’s everybody?” asked Maddison.

“Nice,” grinned Josh. “This reminds me of the time we had to pretend in that play. What was it? Remember, Maddison? Summer Fun.”

“Of course I remember,” smiled Maddison. “And I don’t mind you cuddling in to stay warm tonight, Josh.”

“Thanks. That scene where we’re all on the beach together lying on the beach towels,” said Josh.

Hayley rested her head on Jordan’s shoulder and cuddled him. Jordan was okay with it.

“Yeah, Summer Fun. I wish we were there now,” agreed Kerry.

“I’ve never had to share like this before, but I don’t mind. You okay, Hayley?” asked Maddison.

“Yeah, a lot warmer, thanks. We should be fine. I wish we were on a warm sandy beach as well,” said Hayley, taking Jordan’s hand.

The sound of the wind howled inside and out. The fire had died out and the embers were cooling quickly.

Kerry was thinking to himself: I feel cold. What must my family be thinking? They must be very worried by now. They could be setting up a search party. Kerry wished he was back in his warm pine bed under the duvet like he was this morning, with the chance to relive the same day again so he could have said: “No, everyone turn around.”

 

The phone rang in the lounge room.

 

Tara hurried to answer it.

“Kerry?” she asked pleadingly.

“No, Mrs Dean — it’s Earl!”

Tara was not interested in speaking to Earl and wanted to keep the phone line open.

“Hi Earl, we need to keep the line open so I have to say goodbye.”

“What’s wrong?” insisted Earl.

“Kerry, Maddison, Hayley, Jordan and Josh are missing. They only just put the phone back on down the line ten minutes ago. It’s been out all afternoon. The weather here is terrible and there are a lot of people out looking for them right now.”

“How long have they been missing for?” asked Earl.

“I don’t know… since about twelve. They went out for a walk and they haven’t come back,” explained Tara.

David hurried into the room, hearing Tara talking. He looked towards her hopefully.

“Hold on, Earl.” Tara turned to David. “Did you find them?”

David shook his head. “Not yet. Who’s on the phone?”

“Earl — Kerry’s friend.”

Tara brought her hand to her mouth and could talk no more as tears spilled down her cheeks.

David walked over and took the phone. “Sorry, Earl—”

Earl interrupted. “Mr Dean! I think I know where they are!”

David’s face lit up and Tara noticed.

“Where, Earl?” pleaded David. “What is it?” begged Tara.

David looked very hopeful. “Earl thinks he knows where they are!”

“Where?” she begged again.

Catelyn came into the room. “Is that Kerry?”

“Yes, Earl, I got that. Then the West Range Forest Walk. I was just up there thirty minutes ago. Okay, sorry — keep going.”

He turned to Tara and Catelyn.

“They should be straight ahead from there in the old cave. I know which one you’re talking about now, Earl. On the edge of Lake Mini, right?”

David looked hopefully at Tara. “God, I hope you’re right, Earl.”

“No doubt about it, Mr Dean. That’s why I called. Every year we’ve been going to that cave at the same time. I couldn’t make it this year, but I thought they would have been back by now. That’s why I called now and not sooner.”

David smiled for the first time in hours. “Thanks, Earl. We’ll call you back later with some good news hopefully. Bye for now.”

David and Tara embraced quickly before David called the Sheriff.

 

⭐ The Rescue

Angel was following Wakanda’s paw prints through the snow with his torch. It was very slow going in the dark. It was a fight against the wind and snow, which was also erasing Wakanda’s tracks.

Angel came out of the West Range Forest Walk and saw that Wakanda had hurried off ahead into the open field.

“Wakanda!” shouted Angel.

He watched and waited for Wakanda. With no sign of him and no shelter from the snowstorm in the open field, Angel was reluctant to go any further. Standing there unsure, he continued to wait.

Angel was delighted to see Wakanda finally run into the torchlight to his feet. They greeted each other happily for a moment.

“Oh Wakanda! Good boy! I was worried about you!” shouted Angel, smiling; the driving snow relentless.

“We have to go back! It’s too difficult out here, Wakanda!”

Angel turned about, but Wakanda wouldn’t follow and began to bark. Wakanda headed off a little, then turned around to see if Angel was ready to follow.

Angel finally shook his head and, against his better judgement, followed Wakanda.

 

A snowplough headed up the road followed by two Jeeps. One contained David and Sheriff Milford, and the other Ranger Sam Prestt, Harry, and his boys Brad and James, who were also deputy rangers on call.

The snowplough turned right and ran straight at the built‑up snow on the side of the road in front of the entrance to the West Range Forest Walk. It ploughed through the wall of snow into the tiny car park and reversed out of the way.

The two Jeeps pulled in and the men jumped out with flashlights beaming. They gathered their tools for the job and set off together, realising the snow would have to be dug out so they could get through to the Forest Walk.

Brad and James were quickly into the task.

 

Back in the cave nearly two hours had passed. The five of them huddled together now within the fire pit. It had been hot at first, but the cold air was making them cold again quickly.

Kerry’s temperature was dropping due to his exposure. He was shivering and fear was building within him. He felt helpless. What made matters worse was that he could hear Hayley and Jordan kissing. This was causing a long delay in having a turn in the sleeping bag.

“Hey Kerry?” said Jordan.

“What?” he shivered.

“How would you like an hour in the sleeping bag? It’s your turn.”

“Normally I would say I’m okay, but I thought you’d never ask. I’m not, Jordan. I’m freezing. I’m not wearing leggings.”

“What? I’ve got mine on,” said Jordan. “Me too!” said Josh. “And me,” said Maddison. “I don’t either,” said Hayley quietly, not wanting Jordan to leave.

Jordan struggled out to swap places with Kerry by phone‑light.

“Maybe I should take a turn outside the sleeping bag later?” suggested Maddison.

“Kerry and I can handle it, Maddison — just you stay warm.”

But not long after Jordan finished saying those words, the cold hit him and he was uncomfortable already.

“I hate having to even suggest this,” began Maddison. “But I’ve got a spare pair of leggings in my rucksack. You can have those, Kerry — but I don’t want them back.”

Josh smirked, then laughed. “You make me laugh sometimes, Maddison.”

“I could take a turn too,” suggested Hayley, feeling colder.

Jordan smiled. “Later maybe, Hayley.”

“Alright,” whispered Hayley.

 

Again Angel stopped. He was at his wits’ end. He knew he didn’t have hours of torchlight left and Wakanda had been gone for ages. Angel heard the words of his father warning him to leave Wakanda.

Regretfully, Angel decided to turn about and go home while he still could. He was very sad.

 

Kerry, feeling incredibly cold, found Maddison’s rucksack and pulled out the leggings. He moved near the entrance and went outside to the toilet. Dressed again and feeling little relief in Maddison’s spare leggings, Kerry stared forlornly at the snow chaotically swinging and charging around the entrance.

He was still shivering. His body temperature had gotten too low. Because of this he was becoming confused, losing the sense of what was the right thing to do. He felt responsible. He looked back at his friends and wondered why life would want to hurt such innocent people.

Kerry couldn’t help but shed a tear. He needed to get warm, but his emotions were moving away from rational thinking. He started to think that maybe he should go off alone into the snowstorm and look for help. He was sure he could make it back.

 

Earl was sitting at home in his room facing the television, which was turned off, feeling sad. His friends were in trouble and he knew what they were going through. He was sure they’d find them at the cave. He felt that if he had been with them, maybe this wouldn’t have happened. He kept his mobile phone close at hand, trying not to ring.

 

Kerry started to move down the rocky slope with only his small torchlight.

“Where do you think you’re going?” said Jordan, watching him with Maddison’s bright torch.

“I can do this, Jordan. Just let me go,” insisted Kerry.

Maddison, Josh and Hayley were all standing beside Jordan now. They were horrified that Kerry was going off without them. They stood silent, watching each other.

Suddenly they heard the sound of a large animal charging up the path to the cave.

Hayley screamed and ran to the back of the cave.

The animal barked. It was a dog! He was very friendly and got loads of pats in the torchlight as Hayley was encouraged to come back and pat the dog too.

“Where do you think he came from?” asked Maddison.

Looking to wrap her scarf around her neck, she dropped it. Before she picked it up, Maddison preferred to bend down to pat the dog by Kerry’s torchlight.

“I don’t know, but he’s lifting my spirits,” said Kerry.

“Mine too!” said Josh and Jordan.

Suddenly the dog stole Maddison’s scarf off the ground and ran away with it into the night.

 

“So, straight ahead from here?” asked Sheriff Milford, pointing the flashlight towards the clearing and checking his compass.

“I’m sure it’s straight ahead of here, Sheriff,” shouted David.

“How far?” asked the Sheriff.

“A little less than a mile,” replied David, breathing heavily and looking at the crazy snow in the torchlight.

“Okay, David. It’s close enough to due east from here, according to my compass. But by memory, so is the lake — and if we walk out onto that, we’ll be pulling each other out like popsicles.”

“Maybe that’s what’s happened to the kids already?” said David.

“Ready, men?” said the Sheriff.

Everyone said yes.

Unfortunately it was still snowing heavily and seemed too hard to continue straight away. They followed their compasses, staying close together. David had hope, but was fearful they would not be there.

A helicopter was on standby awaiting any request from the Sheriff — but they wouldn’t be able to fly in these conditions.

The men set off due east and hit the deeper snow soon. It was above their knees, but still relatively soft, and their snowshoes helped as they struggled ahead. The snow and wind whipped at their faces and blew harshly against their determination.

 

“Wakanda!” smiled Angel, as he ran into his torchlight with a red scarf in his mouth.

Angel took the scarf and looked in awe at Wakanda.

“Okay, Wakanda!” shouted Angel. “Let’s go!”

And they hurried off.

 

“What was that? Did you see that? There it is again!” said Josh.

They all started to look and slowly they all saw a torchlight coming their way frantically.

“Come on!” yelled Kerry. “Just in case they turn back!”

Everyone scrambled down the slope, realising it was a possibility. Kerry, in a mad rush, walked too quickly, bringing shouts of “Slow down!” and “Wait for us!” from the others.

Again the dog came into their torchlight, then turned around and ran off again.

“The dog is with someone!” smiled Kerry.

They all headed towards the torchlight.

“Hey!” smiled Kerry, reaching Angel.

They hugged briefly and smiled.

“Boy, are we glad to see you!” smiled Josh.

They were all smiling.

“Wow! Five of you!” smiled Angel, breathing heavily. “Wakanda led me to you guys. I—”

Angel’s torch faded out because of flat batteries.

“At least you have torches,” smiled Angel. “Come on! We better keep moving. Can you all walk okay?”

“Yes,” smiled Maddison. “I agree. Let’s go.”

“We’re all pretty damn cold, but we can walk,” said Jordan.

Without another word, Angel turned about and started leading them back with Kerry’s torch. It was still very hard going, but their hopes were high now and their adrenaline was pushing them on.

At times they were all stumbling and falling over in the snow, but they dared not stop moving because of the cold. Onwards they slogged. They were all exhausted now, only wishing every step they took was the last one for a day.

The search party were unaware that the youngsters were heading straight for them.

Thirty minutes later they saw two torchlights heading towards them.

David laughed with delight. “There they are! There… thank goodness!” he bawled, laughing uncontrollably.

“Hey!” waved Kerry. “Dad!”

They were all very relieved. Father and son came together and shared a massive hug.

Barry handed Kerry a warm hot chocolate, as did the other men to the children on seeing the condition they were in.

There was no time for chit‑chat, as they agreed to quickly turn about and head back to the vehicles.

“How did you find us here?” asked Kerry of his dad. “Were you following Angel and Wakanda?”

“Angel wasn’t with you?” asked David, unsure.

“No, Angel and Wakanda just found us about an hour ago,” explained Jordan.

“Who cares. I’m just so thankful you’re here too!” shouted Hayley, sounding cheeky again.

“I care!” muttered Josh.

“Earl!” David shouted to them. “He called up to say hello and ended up telling us where we might find you!”

Jordan smiled. “Way to go, Earl!”

“Thank God,” trembled Hayley. “I knew it was a sign. I knew it was our big brother helping us,” said Josh.

“On you, Earl!” smiled Kerry. “But your dog Wakanda — and you, Angel — are awesome too!”

“Yay!” smiled Angel.

“Wakanda the wonder dog,” smiled Maddison. “And I love Earl too!” beamed Maddison.

Harry handed Josh his flask. “You can keep that flask if you wish, kid.”

Josh smiled. “Thanks, Mr. I’ll keep it as a memento.”

 

Wakanda the Wonder Dog

Two days later, Kerry, Maddison, Hayley, Josh and Jordan stood together looking down at the ski‑run in front of them. A nice gentle wind was blowing. The sun had even been making brief appearances today and shone momentarily onto their happier faces.

Snowboards and skis were ready to go. They were all rested and happy now. No one was too worse‑for‑wear. New fears forgotten after two days of dry, welcoming and safe conditions — not to mention plenty of hot spa baths, pizza and sodas.

Kerry smiled. “Let’s have some fun! Right?”

They all happily agreed and pushed off.

They hurtled down the mountain together following the marked ski route. They came close to the edge as they sped along, darting and swaying and leaping with enjoyment. The drop was steep here as they raced along.

Hayley was skiing fast and passed everyone in her desperate need to be in front. As she came to another tight right, she skied straight off the side and over the edge.

Hayley managed to fall down quickly and slid to a stop after twenty feet. She tried to stand as her friends scrambled back to where she lay. Hayley unclipped her one remaining ski and began to crawl back to the top.

Kerry, Josh, Jordan and Maddison reached the edge and looked down to see Hayley crawling back towards them.

“Are you alright?” asked Jordan, half smiling, while unclipping from his snowboard.

Jordan edged his way slowly down towards Hayley. Just as he was about to take her hand, she screamed.

The snow gave way under her, and Hayley couldn’t help but begin to slowly slide downhill on her back. Jordan took Josh’s hand and remained stationary before scurrying back up to safety with Kerry and Maddison’s help.

The small avalanche hurried Hayley on, then hurled her down the mountainside at an ever‑increasing rate as the force and mass of snow hit 60 mph. She screamed as she sank into its flow, tumbling out of control.

Kerry, Maddison, Josh and Jordan looked on helplessly as the avalanche reached the bottom and spread out, coming to a stop three hundred feet below.

They couldn’t see Hayley. She did not resurface.

“Hayley???” screamed Maddison. “Noooooooo!” cried Josh.

“Sheriff!!! There’s been an avalanche!!” shouted Kerry into his phone.

Jordan raced back to his snowboard and panicked while trying to snap back on. He then began to snowboard down the route, looking for a safe place to go over the side.

“Come on!” shouted Jordan, before going over the side and skiing dangerously downhill.

Wakanda appeared from out of the tree line, running up the hill towards the avalanche. Beside Wakanda was Angel.

“Don’t go, Maddison!” said Kerry, seeing her intention to go down. “It’s too dangerous from here! You might start another avalanche!”

Maddison accepted Kerry’s decision.

“It’s Wakanda!” said Josh.

Josh, Maddison and Kerry watched helplessly as Wakanda leapt high into the air and, on landing, began to frantically dig for Hayley.

Angel raced through the snow as fast as he could to where Wakanda was digging down quickly into the snow. He dropped to his knees and began moving the snow aside with his gloved hands, not stopping to rest.

Angel could hear the siren of the Sheriff’s car racing towards the area a short distance away.

Side by side, Angel and Wakanda continued to dig frantically. Angel was only helping Wakanda — he had not seen where Hayley went under.

Angel watched in fascination as the colour blue appeared at Wakanda’s paws.

Together, Wakanda with his teeth and Angel with his hands pulled an unconscious Hayley up from the snow by her blue ski jacket.

“Oh my God… they got her! They got her!” shrieked Maddison. “They got her out!!!”

With tears in their eyes and the sheer terror of helplessness relieved by Hayley’s appearance, they continued along the designated path until it looked safer to ski down to the bottom.

Sheriff Milford looked concerned as he and Jordan arrived where Angel was checking Hayley’s condition. Angel cleared the snow from Hayley’s face and mouth.

“Well done again, Angel. Your dog’s making a habit of saving these kids!” said Sheriff Milford, patting him on the back.

He began checking if Hayley was breathing.

“She’s not breathing, but her pulse feels strong,” explained Angel, out of breath.

The Sheriff began CPR.

Two members of the Big Bear Rescue Team arrived with Ranger Sam Prestt. More rescuers followed.

With amazement and relief, Jordan saw that Hayley was awake and placed into a recovery position.

“Hayley! Thank God!” cried Jordan.

A snow ambulance rumbled to a stop a short distance away. Hayley was carried to it on a stretcher. She didn’t look good.

“I love you, man!” said Jordan, happily embracing Angel, bawling like a baby.

Wakanda stood watching with a huge smile on his face.

“Good boy, Wakanda!” smiled Angel, totally exhausted and in shock.

“That’s right,” smiled Ranger Sam Prestt, walking over with several people. “You’ve got Angel and Wakanda here to thank again for watching over Hayley.”

The Ranger turned to Angel and quietly took him aside, sincerely thanking him.

“Maybe in the future, would you and Wakanda be interested in working with our search and rescue team?” asked the Ranger.

“I think so,” smiled Angel, still gasping for breath.

Angel said to Jordan, “It was Wakanda’s doing, again, that we were here when it happened. Wakanda just took off for the avalanche… I didn’t even see Hayley fall. I… I just sensed he’d seen or heard someone in the avalanche. He is a wonder dog. Digs and digs… I just knew there was someone.”

“That he is,” nodded the Ranger, patting Wakanda.

“I’m so grateful,” thanked Jordan.

Wakanda bounded over to Josh, who fell onto his knees and embraced him.

“Thank you, Wakanda,” cried Josh.

“Thanks, girl,” said Maddison happily before hugging Angel.

“Thanks, Angel. Thank you so much. Can we have a coffee or something before I go back home?” asked Maddison.

“Sure,” smiled Angel. “Wakanda’s a boy.”

“Oh,” smiled Maddison. “What a good boy,” she cried.

Kerry, Maddison, Jordan and Josh said goodbye to Angel and Wakanda and headed for the hospital.

 

At the Hospital

Kerry, Maddison, Josh and Jordan stood chatting to Hayley, who was awake and feeling a lot better. She had a badly fractured left wrist and some minor and major bruising.

Jordan was busy writing on her new cast: “Big Bear Avalanche Survivor.”

“There you go!” smiled Jordan, holding her good hand.

“I don’t think she needs reminding,” decided Maddison.

“I still haven’t gotten over seeing you disappear over the edge,” admitted Josh.

Kerry nudged Josh with his shoulder so he wouldn’t upset Hayley by making her remember too much.

“Sorry,” said Josh.

“Neither can I, Josh,” said Hayley, now upset again. “I can’t believe I was so stupid. How could I possibly not look where I was going, right?”

Everyone sympathised with Hayley, but nobody could understand it.

They stayed a little longer before deciding to talk with the doctor before leaving.

“Well, that’s what I’m thinking, guys,” said Doctor Edwards.

“So she’s on the autism spectrum?” repeated Kerry, surprised.

“Just by the way she communicates. That’s my hunch. I’m about to call her parents for a chat, so excuse me. You kids stay safe. Bye for now,” smiled Doctor Edwards, heading for his office.

 

The News Crew

Several young, well‑dressed, extremely happy people stood holding cameras, a sound mic, and a whiteboard full of names and facts. Around them were a hundred tourists, huddled together in the cold street, all excited to hear about the rescue and to be on television.

A short, dark‑haired, friendly‑looking reporter waited for his count‑in to go live.

“3, 2, 1… and live!” said Mary, the young producer.

“Kent McDougall, live here in the Rocky Mountains, in the beautiful skiing village of Big Bear,” he confidently announced. “I’m here today about an extraordinary rescue carried out by man’s best friend. Except this dog, Wakanda, is no ordinary dog. He dug out thirteen‑year‑old Hayley from under five feet of snow. Hayley Harris is lucky to be alive because of Wakanda… and first of all, I’d like to introduce you to Wakanda and Angel, her owner.”

Kent stepped to his left to stand beside Angel and Wakanda. Angel was smiling, rubbing Wakanda’s ears. Beside him were his father and mother, Tarlo and Woya, and several relatives — two dressed in traditional Native American dress of Angel’s tribe.

“Hi Angel,” smiled Kent. “Can you tell us what went down up there?”

“Well, Hayley went down up there, Kent,” smiled Angel.

“Uh huh,” nodded Kent.

“Hayley got caught in an avalanche while skiing. I just happened to be out for a walk with Wakanda here.” Angel patted Wakanda. “He is always getting me to take him for walks.”

“This didn’t turn out to be any normal walk through the park though, right?” asked Kent. “Hayley’s life was in danger?”

“Absolutely. The avalanche was very close to the edge of the tree line where we play, Kent. Very scary… Wakanda just took off and ran and ran towards it. I took off as fast as I could follow him. He was already digging by the time I scrambled over the huge pile of snow left by the avalanche.”

“You knew something was up, right?” smiled Kent.

“True. I just felt there was some kind of rescue coming. Wakanda was the one who found Hayley. And I just helped Wakanda dig and dig until I saw the colour blue below his paws.”

“That was the colour of Hayley’s snow jacket,” informed Kent, looking at the camera.

“Yes. Another two minutes later, Wakanda and I had her out, and I cleared the snow away from her face.”

“Hayley wasn’t breathing, right?” said Kent.

“That’s right,” agreed Angel, looking sad, remembering how Hayley had looked.

“Sheriff Kurt Milford was just arriving at that moment — and you revived Hayley Harris, Sheriff?” said Kent, turning to his right.

Sheriff Milford leaned forward. “All in a day’s work, Kent,” smiled the Sheriff calmly. “Hayley responded strongly and came around pretty quickly to our surprise. Wakanda, Angel and all the rescue personnel did a terrific job.”

“Thank you, Sheriff. And—”

“I just wanted to add,” interrupted the Sheriff, bringing the camera back onto him, “two nights ago, Angel and Wakanda found Hayley and her friends a couple of miles out of town during a snowstorm.”

“Really?” beamed Kent. “Twice in two days for Hayley?”

“Yep,” nodded Kurt.

“Well… here she is, folks. Not rescued once, but twice, by Wakanda and Angel. Hayley Harris!” introduced Kent.

The camera panned back to show Hayley with her mum and dad. Beside her were Jordan, Maddison, Kerry and Josh.

“I’d just like to thank Wakanda, Angel, Sheriff Milford, the hospital staff, and my close friends who’ve helped me through all of this… Jordan, Kerry, Maddison and Josh,” explained Hayley, enjoying the moment but more reserved.

“Wakanda’s a very special dog, right?” asked Kent.

“He’s the best!” smiled Hayley.

“Yes!” agreed Angel.

“By far!” insisted Maddison.

“And,” began Kent, coming over to Maddison, “you were also rescued by Wakanda the wonder dog?”

“Wakanda and Angel have been a pair of angels. We owe them our deepest gratitude,” smiled Maddison.

“What about a big hand, folks, for Wakanda the wonder dog!” encouraged Kent, as the camera panned back to capture the large crowd.

Everybody yelled and cheered for Wakanda.

Angel’s family and cousins began chanting:

“Heey ohi… heey ohi… hey oh, hey oh hey oh…”

Repeating.

“This is Kent McDougall,” Kent smiled. “In the snow‑covered Rocky Mountains, with some real angels of Big Bear. Back to you in the studio, Brad, Beth.”

The final image showed a happy‑looking husky.

 

⭐ Farewell

David and Tara shook hands with Hayley’s parents before they got into their car.

“Take it easy,” said Angel, giving Hayley a hug.

“I will. I think I’ll be taking things a bit slower for a while,” agreed Hayley.

“Glad you made it,” smiled Josh. “Love you.”

“Love you too,” smiled Hayley.

“See ya, Hayley,” said Jordan, hugging her softly.

“Bye,” nodded Hayley, holding Jordan’s hand.

“If you need to talk, just give me a call. You’ve got my new number,” smiled Maddison.

“Let’s go, Hayley!” said her dad.

“See you, Hayley,” smiled Kerry, tapping her shoulder.

“Bye, Kerry. Now you probably wish I had headed off when we first arrived.”

Kerry smiled as Hayley climbed into the back seat.

“Just a moment longer, Dad, please?” requested Hayley.

“Of course,” smiled Hayley’s dad.

“I can’t lie to you guys anymore.”

They all leaned closer to the back window.

“I did pass my English and Maths subjects.”

Everybody looked thoughtful.

“But I didn’t hit a homer. I struck out. I lost the game for our team.”

There was an uncomfortable moment’s silence.

Jordan said, “You know, Hayley… I think you’ve definitely grown up a bit more with that statement.”

“Thanks, Jordan… You were right, Josh,” said Hayley. “Maddison — in your poem it says, May Spirits and Angels protect us… they certainly did.”

They all waved as the car drove away.

Wakanda barked.

“Will she be back?” asked Kerry, turning to his friends.

“I don’t know, Skier,” answered Jordan. “That was a pretty scary few days for her.”

“For all of us,” replied Kerry.

“So what do we do now?” asked Maddison. “We don’t leave for two days.”

Josh nodded.

“We ski, of course,” smiled Angel.

“Hell yeah!” smiled Kerry.

“Yay!” smiled Maddison, hugging Angel.

All five friends slapped a high‑five together.

 

⭐ THE END

Thanks for taking the time to read my short story; American Snow Angels. Before you rush off with a million things to do, please find a moment to share your thoughts and support on the reviews page. If I get a lot of positive feedback, we’ll be in for a second reunion — and I’d love to hear what you’d like to see. Hope you’re doing really well. :) M. E. HARRIS

Books By This Author:

The Painting Competition

FARIDDION Book 1

FARIDDION Book 2

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