“What are you doing here?”
“We miss you.”
“Sorry, but you can’t come in,” I said.
“Please?”
“No. Parents aren't allowed,” said Jen.
“But it sounds like you’re having more fun out here,” they pleaded.
“That's because we are,” Nick confirmed.

“You know how you’re not married?”
“Yes,” I replied.
“And you know how I’m not married?”
“Yes.”
“Well, we could get married to each other.”
“That’s a great idea!” I responded, gazing lovingly into Nick’s gorgeous, brown eyes.

Om. Step. Mani. Step. Padme. Pause. Hum. Gasp.
I repeat the mantra in slow unison with each shuffling step as I painfully inch my way up to the pass.
“Time. For. A. Rest,” I announce breathlessly.
I collapse onto the snow, my lungs screaming for oxygen, while Kunchok sits patiently beside me, lighting a cigarette.

BOOM… BOOM… BOOM…!
I sat motionless, as the slightest movement caused internal explosions in my head.
A voice permeated my foggy consciousness. BOOM. 
I refocused my eyes and slowly gazed sideways. BOOM.