The Way Back Home's

Ski

Farrell did not comment on the remark. He left Christo without saying anything. As Christo tidied up the finished dishes, Farrell joined his uncle and aunt Denise. It turned out that aunts had gifts for them other than scarves, jackets, and hats.

“Libby got the doll yesterday, but you guys haven't got anything yet. So, this is for you and one for you,” said the aunt as she handed each one of the boxes to her nephew. The box is not so big. It is black and made of plastic.

“Thank you.”

The two open the box but Farrell can guess what it is. Watches.  A round watch with black stainless steel chain. The center is black and has three small circles. The hands are large, white at the end. Farrell's watch was a little different from his sister's. Got a bigger Milo with yellow clockwork. Farrell and Milo put on the watch at aunt's request.

“Very suitable! What do you think, Libby?” ask uncle.

“Good,” muttered Libby slowly.

“Oh, baby. Auntie didn't forget you, anyway. I'm just teasing you.” Aunt laughed a little while taking out another box. “This is for you. Let's try it.”

Libby smiled as she opened the box. Inside the box was a pink watch. The rope is made of leather. There's a picture of a rabbit in the middle a little to the edge. “Thank you, aunty.”

“Well, all have got their gifts. Now quickly finish your food and we will try the ski equipment!” pinta uncle. “Denise kindly record your action later.”

　

　

After breakfast, they left the restaurant. Farrell saw several people coming down the stairs. Two women and one man. The group ignored them and went out through the front door. Behind him, there was another group. A grandfather and a grandmother. Farrell recognized the grandmother. They met in a large dining room. Grandma did not see it. The couple came out the front door. A black van parked out front loaded them all up and left the inn.

“It's a shame they missed breakfast when the food was good,” Libby chirps.

“They had breakfast elsewhere,” Farrell said more to himself than Libby.

They went to the back ski. William and uncle helped them put on ski clothes. Jackets, gloves, helmets, goggles, and more.

“It's a pity yes, this outfit is only worn for photos,” sigh Milo while wearing his jacket.

Uncle laughs. “You think I brought you all this equipment for photos? Of course not!” Uncle took Milo closer to the ski track. “I've fixed the trajectory for you to be able to directly try.”

“Wow! How uncle can—”

“Sst. Don't think,” said uncle. “I will do anything for you, my beloved nephew. Prepare for a vacation, make your favorite food, even improve the ski runs. It's an easy thing. Hahahaha.”.

Farrell frowning. He could not believe what he had just heard. After putting on the ski boot, he walked slowly to Milo's side. True said uncle, the trajectory is like new. No dirt, no garbage, no pieces of wood. There is only a ski track like silver silk falling from the sky decorated with regular strokes.

“International standard structure?” Replace Milo frowning.

William chuckled from behind. He approached them while carrying ski poles for Milo and Farrell. “Pak manager is too complimentary. I've only been training local, not international, ski athletes. Just briefly. I'm eliminated.”

“Not, no,” says uncle. “He prefers working here because he likes this inn.”

William has no intention of giving consent. He laughed again. “I'm not going to forbid you to think that way. Please just.”

Uncle slit. Farrell smiled amusedly. William is too relaxed. He treated himself and his younger siblings like friends not let alone owners. He does not support the words of uncle just because uncle is his superior. Friendly and what it is. Auntie was right when she said William was so different from Christo. Farrell's instinct says they're natural enemies.

Uncle switched to Libby. “Why haven't you used ski equipment?”

Libby shaking. “Should?”

Denise smiled at Libby and looked down, equalizing their gaze. “What are you afraid of?” Libby nodded. Still smiling, Denise asked, “Do you not want to help your brothers look for her?”

Strange things happen again. Libby looked at Denise but her eyes were not focused on the woman. He looked like he was looking far behind Denise. Libby nodded. He walked slowly to William and started wearing ski clothes.

After everyone put on their gear, William taught them how to ski. The first thing he taught me was how to quit. William stressed that it was one of the crucial things. He also taught me how to get up if they fall. With pole and ski boots, getting up from a fall takes a special way. Then he taught me how to move in the snow. He gave them his theory first and then gave an example.

William glided over the ramps and stopped after a few meters. He also asked the three to try. Milo tried it first. As if he was used to it, Milo glided smoothly on the ski track and stopped beside him. William amazed. “Perfect landing.”

“You can say that again.” Milo smiled proudly. “I can think of being a ski athlete if I fail to become a basketball athlete.”

The second libby. Not as smooth as Milo, but good included. Now he's as excited as Milo. Farrell last. Just like her sister, she did well too. Uncle and aunt did not come with them. Both are waiting above. Only Denise and William drive them. Doing her job, Denise took photos of them together and also recorded some videos.

“How do we ride again?” milo asked while looking at the ski track. The track was long down. He can't see where the end is. Just a pile of snow flanked with snowy trees and other snow.

“Christo is ready below. He's lighting a ski lift. We can go back to the inn with that. Don't worry.”

Milo circulated his gaze after opening the ski goggles. He saw the sturdy poles running slightly diagonally across the edge of the track. The mast carries a thick cable ski lift. If Christo was downstairs, there should be a place to wait down there. Like a ski lift or a larger building. “Is there another cottage down there?” ask Milo.

William shakes. “Ultually yes, now no. We used to serve hot drinks there. But, repairing huts and ski runs overnight turned out to be impossible. So we focus on the track. There's nothing down there.”

“Kukira usually lodging is under ski track.”

“Eden’s Lodge is indeed different from ordinary inns. The building was built by adjusting the other side. If you understand what I mean. Hehehe,” William glanced at the inn. “Well, ready for next level?”