Hollow Gabrielle Beck

José’s Directions to Jemez Hot Springs, Title 1994 Author Mary Senter

Story

Digital Photography

Title I Traveled This Far Because I Love You

Author Zach Murphy

said. “The Antarctic cold definitely feels a lot different from the cold in Idaho,” Adam

“Sure does,” Rodger said as he flicked the mini-icicles off of his thick mustache. “Once we cross this next glacier wall, we’ll have reached the edge of the earth.”

Adam and Rodger trudged on with their overstuffed backpacks through the wintry terrain, looking like a pair of snails with shells full of climbing equipment and survival supplies.

“I really think we should turn around,” Adam said.

“But we’re almost there,” Rodger said.

Rodger pulled out his map. A harsh gust of wind swept it off into the snowy distance.

“See!” Adam said. “Even the wind is telling us to go back!”

Rodger checked his compass. The red needle was frozen stiff, as if it had given up on doing its one and only job. Rodger tapped the glass face of the compass, but the needle wouldn’t budge.

“It’s so cold that the compass broke,” Adam said. “If that isn’t a sign, I don’t know what is.”

“It’s not broken,” Rodger said. “It’s just confused.”

Adam sighed and rolled his eyes. “How much further do we have to go?”

Rodger pointed ahead with the focus of an Olympic athlete. “If we keep moving, we should get to the glacier wall within an hour,” he said.

Adam came to a halt and forcefully planted his boots into the snow. “I have something to tell you,” he said.

“What?” Rodger asked as he hiked on.

“I don’t really think the Earth is flat,” Adam answered.

Rodger choked on his own snot from laughing so hard. “You’re kidding,” he said.