**The Fatal Ski Trail**
The wheels of the commuter train clattered cheerfully along the rails. Thick, snow-laden pines lined the tracks, their branches barely letting through the low winter sun. A group of medical students chattered loudly, their skis stacked by the carriage door.
The trip had been Alex Hutchinson’s idea—tall, athletic, and the pride of the university, a champion cross-country skier who never placed below second in competitions. His father held a high position in the city council, making Alex something of a local celebrity.
Just before Christmas, he’d convinced the group to spend a weekend at a remote lodge deep in the woods—perfect for skiing and unwinding. Most agreed, though few had his skill. Still, why pass up a chance for fresh air and fun?
Lily had only ever skied during school P.E. But when Alex invited her, how could she refuse? She’d have gone anywhere just to be near him.
In the train, she leaned against his shoulder, too lost in happiness to notice James Whitaker’s jealous glances—or the way Angela kept frowning at them. *What does he see in her?* her expression seemed to say.
Lily wondered the same. So many prettier girls, yet he’d chosen her—quiet, bookish, though top of her class. He’d even talked about marrying after graduation. His father had made him promise not to wed before getting his degree, or he’d lose his support securing a coveted position at the best hospital in town.
A year and a half still lay ahead. Anything could happen. But right then, pressed close to Alex, Lily felt cherished.
Stepping onto the snowy platform, they paused to take in the silent beauty of the forest, the lodge barely visible through the trees. The crisp air invigorated them as they trekked toward the cabins, laughing under the weight of their skis, giddy with youth and the nearing holidays.
Once settled, Alex insisted they hit the trails.
*”We’ll start with the short loop—three miles. Keep your phones handy. Call if anything happens, but it’s safe here. No wild animals. Stay close. I’ll lead; James brings up the rear.”* He slid onto the groomed track, starting right from the lodge.
Lily lingered, knowing she’d slow them down. She took the last spot, James behind her. Alex noticed but said nothing.
The faster skiers soon vanished ahead. Lily struggled—her skis slipped, her muscles burned, her fingers stiffened in the cold. Behind her, James’s steady crunching echoed.
*”Go on ahead!”* she called over her shoulder.
But he stayed, trudging along. Regret gnawed at her. She should’ve waited by the fire. Suddenly, a branch cracked—something crashing through the brush. Startled, she lost balance, fell. A sharp *snap* shot through her leg, pain exploding as she cried out.
*”What happened?”* James knelt beside her.
*”My leg…”* she gasped through clenched teeth.
*”Let me see. Move your hands.”* His gloved fingers brushed her shin. She flinched, whimpering.
*”Broken.”* He pulled out his phone—no signal. Swearing, he exhaled. *”Alex skis fast. If he doubles back, he’ll find us soon.”*
*”He said just one loop,”* she sobbed.
*”He’ll finish early and circle back. Hold on. I’ll try for a signal—won’t go far.”*
Shivering, she barely nodded. James shuffled off, checking his phone. A shout—*”Got it!”* He called for help, then returned. *”Alex is coming. Hang in there.”*
Noticing her tremors, he draped his coat over her. His own lips turned blue as he stamped his feet to stay warm. An eternity passed before Alex finally appeared, towing a plastic sled.
*”Let’s get her on this,”* he instructed, though every touch made Lily cry out. Frustrated, he snapped, *”Help us, unless you want to freeze!”*
James stayed quiet. Together, they laid her on the sled. Alex looped a strap across his chest, hauling her effortlessly while James trailed behind, numb with cold.
Back at the lodge, hands rubbed warmth into James’s frozen cheeks. Lily, sedated, lay wrapped in a blanket. The ambulance arrived hours later. To her dismay, Alex stayed behind—*”Can’t leave the others.”*
She wept the whole ride. The break wasn’t bad—a clean fracture, a few days in hospital. James visited daily with oranges and books.
*”Why did I even go? Now I’ll miss New Year’s…”* she moaned.
*”We’ll stay in. My face is too scary for parties anyway,”* he joked weakly. But Lily had dreamed of Alex’s fireplace, his arms. He only called once. When he finally visited, it was for five minutes.
*”He had to look after the others,”* she defended, though James saw the truth. Then Angela’s friend spilled it—Alex had flirted with her all weekend. The betrayal shattered Lily. She buried her face in her pillow, refusing to speak.
James brought her home when she was discharged. He arranged tutors for exams, stayed close as a devoted shadow.
That New Year’s Eve, Lily sat with her parents, miserable. As Big Ben chimed, she wished for one thing: *Don’t let him leave me.*
She’d pictured Alex. The universe answered differently.
Her leg healed, but Alex ignored her. James never left. By summer, she married him—not out of love, he knew, but hope. They moved to his hometown after graduation, had a son.
Five years later, returning for a conference, they ran into Alex. He pretended not to know them. A colleague muttered, *”Daddy’s still pulling strings. Married, but never stops chasing skirts.”*
Noticing James’s tension, Lily teased, *”Don’t tell me you’re jealous?”*
*”A bit. I know you only married me to spite him.”*
*”Silly. I don’t want anyone but you. Yes, it took time… but I love you now. And—well, our son’s getting a sister soon.”*
So it goes. We fall for charm, for glamour—yet that love often burns. Lily’s New Year’s wish came true. The right man stood by her. She just hadn’t seen it at first.
Make your wishes. At midnight, at dawn, every day. Just be ready for how they’re answered.
