Ruined by the Snowboarder

Icy wind slashes across my face.

My muscles strain as I maneuver my board.

I’m so close…I just need to stay focused.

I can see the finish line in the distance. Hundreds of spectators are huddled together, each bundled in heavy winter gear. The snow on the mountain is fresh and pristine, coating the pine trees in elegant white sheets.

But I’m not here for the scenery.

My eyes remain glued to the colorful poles jutting from the snow. This event is called Parallel Giant Slalom, and it’s a head-to-head race against an opponent. The poles are called “gates”, and the goal is to carve around them and reach the bottom first.

I’ve been competing since I was just a kid. It’s been a lifelong passion, and this race represents all I’ve achieved. This is the national competition, and the top snowboarder will earn a spot at the Olympics.

I’ll do anything to make it happen.

Harsh days on the slopes…broken bones…a nonexistent social life…I’ve sacrificed so much to get here. I just need to push a little harder…

The wind grows deafening as I carve down the mountain. Each turn kicks up clouds of snow. The ice crystals glisten in the sunlight like powdered diamonds.

I can sense my opponent off to the side. He’s gaining ground.

Crouching low, I gather speed. Faster…faster…faster!

It ends.

I blow past the finish line, kicking up a plume of powder as I screech to a halt. Cheers erupt while my chest heaves, struggling to pull in air. Behind me, my opponent finally crosses.

I won.

It wasn’t even close.

“Not bad, Ross.” A familiar voice rings out as I pull off my goggles.

I don’t want to acknowledge him, but I force myself to turn and smile.

It’s Kellan Hunter, my longtime rival. We grew up in the same mountain town, and we’ve had a heated relationship. He’s always been bigger than me, and he used to push me around when we were kids. I tried to get back at him by kicking his ass in competitions, and it spawned an unhealthy rivalry. He’s been a constant thorn in my side. Trash-talking me on the slopes is one thing, but he went out of his way to steal my girlfriend back in high school. I still haven’t forgiven him for that.

But I understand why it happened.

He’s got a sleek, masculine body that would be at home on the cover of a fitness magazine. Even under his heavy coat, his rounded shoulders and full lats are visible. Short, messy brown hair rests above bushy eyebrows and piercing green eyes. His sharp nose and angular face have a foxlike, refined aura. There’s a sense of effortless style that’s only accentuated by scruffy stubble and a single, simple earring. He’s managed to turn his looks into hard cash. He’s amassed a huge following on social media, and he uses the income to fund his training. Snowboarding can get awfully expensive.

I might not be as famous as he is, but I’ve managed to monetize my looks as well. I’ve got a classic skater-boy vibe with long, flowing golden hair. I’ve actually been sponsored by a few shampoo brands. It’s a source of pride, not gonna lie.

“Hey, Kellan. It looks like we’re both advancing to the finals.” I fake a friendly wave.

“Yeah, man! It’s you and me…just like old times.” His teeth glitter as he flashes a teasing grin. “Only first place gets the Olympic ticket though. One of us isn’t gonna make it.”

He’s right. Most of the country’s snowboarders have already been selected, and this competition is the last chance any of us have at qualifying. Kellan and I are the top contenders, and I’m favored to win. I tend to perform better than he does, and I can tell it pisses him off. Maybe that’s why he’s always been such an asshole.

“Well, you’d better come prepared. Tomorrow is the big day.” I turn and leave without waiting for a response.

After checking in with the competition officials, I’m free to head back to the lodge. All athletes and staff are staying in the same accommodations for the duration of the event. It’s an iconic wooden building that was originally a tycoon’s hunting retreat during the Industrial Revolution. It’s since been transformed into a luxury hotel fit for royalty. I love it. I’m a bit bummed I only have a couple more nights here.

I step inside the lobby, standing for a moment to take in the ambiance. High overhead, a crystal chandelier casts beams of light onto taxidermy hunting trophies on the walls. The heads of deer and bears stare down at the leather furniture dotting the space, leading up to a massive fireplace at the far end. A black spiral staircase traces around the lobby’s perimeter, granting access to a second-floor spa and gym.

A quick stop at the gym sauna after dinner…that’s exactly what I need to prepare for tomorrow.

I head up to my room and change out of my snow pants and heavy coat. My suite is a cozy sanctuary with visible wooden beams overhead and rustic landscape paintings on the walls. The bathroom is a crisp, modern space with marble tiles and cove lighting. After a quick shower, I change into something more comfortable and make a call to room service.

It isn’t long until I’m at my window, looking out over the mountain scenery while sipping salty beef stew. The moon has risen high in the sky, casting an ethereal glow over the snow-covered peaks. It’s quiet outside—only a faint whisper as the wind caresses the treetops. The gusts occasionally cause the hotel to creak and groan. It’s a beautiful panorama, but tonight, something about it feels strange…almost ghostly. I’m not sure why, but a sense of unease creeps over me. Maybe I’m just nervous about the big race?