The scene from the lift was beautiful. As we rose higher, we could see a greater distance in more directions, and everywhere the world was majestic peaks draped in deep snow, with tall, straight evergreens poking through the white blanket. At the edges of everything, though, were the clouds, walling us into this wonderful world, blocking out the rest of reality and keeping us safe and snug in this enchanted realm. The air was wonderfully pure, and I closed my eyes while taking some deep breaths, scenting the faintly metallic hint of snow in the upper air, almost able to taste it.
“Here comes the halfway point,” said Tom, and I opened my eyes. We were approaching a mid-station. “We won’t get off here; let’s keep going the rest of the way.”
“You’re not taking us to someplace that has only
