CHAPTER 3
The gondola inexplicably started again and I sighed with relief. At the top, I popped through the doors, shouldered my skis and pack, and headed onto the mountain’s flat peak. A bitter wind blew me into the snow before I could don my skis. I gasped as my body hit the hard-pack and pain exploded up my knees. Poor Cinda, I thought as a red-clad ski patrol member gently helped me up. When she wrecked her knees, had it hurt as much as this?
“You all right?” the tanned patrolwoman asked, her voice tight with concern. “Need help getting to the show?”
“No, thanks. I’m fine.” I struggled to my feet, slung on the backpack, then conscientiously slotted my boots into my skis. Eventually, today’s show will be over, I consoled myself as I reached for my poles.
I skied cautiously to the ra
