Joy at the Top of the Hill
For the Snow Micro Challenge.
Chores done, we boys fled into the thick snow. A pack of us bundled up against the cold at our mother's fussing, sleds pulled behind us in mittened hands.
The memory is bright like a sunbeam, every detail crystallised. No rose-tinted spectacles; it really was as glorious as I remember.
Our lives were unrolled before us all like the carpet of untouched snow on that hill. We couldn't wait to plunge down it, faster, faster, shrieking all the way.
Cheeks pink, noses and ears raw, the sharp smell of snow and the sound of it under our boots and sleds... That was the day we flew. Like birds.
I've always liked birds. As a boy, I'd watch them flying until I could tell the species apart, just by watching their flight pattern. I'd wonder what it would be like to swoop and soar as they do. This is it, I remember thinking that day. I'm sure it was, only better, because I was firmly on the ground with no fear of falling from a heartless sky.
Oh, how fast we went! How the wind whistled past me! The exhilaration of it!
Fresh fallen snow covered a rock or root that sent the sled beside me careening off course, unstoppable, into a post. Jamie hit his head in the crash, the woollen hat his mother knitted protection only against chill. He didn't make it.
That was the last time I flew so carefree. Snow was never so smooth and white afterwards.
About the Creator
Reader insights
Outstanding
Excellent work. Looking forward to reading more!
Top insights
Compelling and original writing
Creative use of language & vocab
Easy to read and follow
Well-structured & engaging content
Excellent storytelling
Original narrative & well developed characters
Eye opening
Niche topic & fresh perspectives
Heartfelt and relatable
The story invoked strong personal emotions
Keep reading
More stories from L.C. Schäfer and writers in Fiction and other communities.
The Siren's Call
How could I tell Ryan that I'd signed away our unborn child to a merman? They couldn't just kidnap my baby, though, could they? It was months 'til he'd even be born. That's forever. Head deep in the sand, when calls came from Merman & Merman, I ignored them.
By L.C. Schäfer3 months ago in Fiction
The Road to Nowhere
Trigger warnings: Violence, Death. "May the Sun burn your tongue out, woman," Fredrick's father screamed the curse into his mother's ear as their elegant little carriage rumbled along, its polished wood and gilded trim glinting in the torchlight. They had just left the small village of Saffron and were on an unnamed road to the capital for the Royal wedding. Fredrick leaned back in his plush velvet seat to escape into the passing landscape, but across from him sat the servant boy, a scrappy lad named Jack. Jack's eyes held a mixture of awe and fear, the kind that only a commoner could feel in the presence of nobility. Jack looked up and caught Fredrick's gaze, offering him a sad little smile before reaching into his pocket and retrieving a little caramel treat. This candy was no doubt stolen from the kitchen treat cupboard; if he was caught with it, he would be locked in the box as punishment.
By Frank English7 days ago in Fiction
A Tale of Solace
In the vast expanse of the Antarctic, where icy winds howl and glaciers stand sentinel, there lived a penguin named Pippin. Pippin was unlike the other penguins in his colony. While they reveled in the camaraderie of their fellow birds, Pippin often found solace in solitude, lost in the depths of his own contemplations.
By Ekombe hau3 days ago in Fiction
Comments (25)
I was feeling nostalgic until that twist. Good work.
man what a turn.
💯👌👌👌
Oh my. That is so tragic and I did not see it coming!
Ah, crap. This was beautiful and harrowing. You're such a master with words. Enjoy your prize money! 😄 😂
Innocence of youth. Unfortunately some kids have to grow up quicker than others. Great descriptions.
Nostalgic memories and then your unexpected twist!!! Spectacularly written!!! 💕♥️♥️
Oh , wow. You had me reliving the excitement of my youth with every descriptive word you wrote. Then you hit me in the end, your final line was so poetic.
Oh, how sad. I lost a friend in childhood. There isn't a great way to express the feeling of that sudden shock in contrast to the previous naiveté. You found it: The snow was never so white...
You wrote this so well. Snow sledding is always a big deal in my house! As anyone who’s seen my Facebook feed knows
Minor edit to correct an echo. Thank you everyone for your lovely comments. I will respond individually today!
This really merits the words tragedy I think.
At first I was like "Ha! He died!" Then I read the author's notes. I'm so sorry for your loss 🥺
Gosh. This was not the ending I was expecting but I can totally imagine it happening - based on my own childhood exploits. Great writing L.C.
Ohh, so poignant. You took us on a journey......to a very sad dramatic ending.
Way to take a turn in such a short piece. Calm…calm…beautiful memories…and cue the childhood trauma! You have to watch out for those hidden rocks and roots, they’re real devils. The fact that you said in the comments that this is based on a true story just takes that emotional shock up a level, too. Overall, well done.
Now who's making us cry, hmmm? Well done!
Eek! That certainly took a turn. Great job!
Oh my, I was happily plunging into my own snow memories and then the end…
Oh yikes! That trauma is harsh!
Oh my. Reminded me of my youth at first. Then, that ending. 🥺
Tragically powerful story, L.C.
Amazingly, this story memorials more than its tragic ending, it remembers the experience and magic of lost childhood at the same time. I especially loved: The memory is bright like a sunbeam, every detail crystallized. No rose-tinted spectacles; it really was as glorious as I remember. Really great storytelling, LC!
Author's note: this was based on a true story.
Oh damn. That was so blissful and carefree until it wasn't. I guess like...acting carefree and blissful in life...until we stop. Well done. Such great use of the word count. Sublimely crafted and all that!