Andrew

You've always been drawn to winter. You dreamed of conquering peaks. Your parents didn't share your passion, so they didn't help you realize your dreams. But now you're 23 years old, your own boss. As soon as enrollment opened last winter, you rushed to find a coach, someone who could teach you everything he knew.

Andrew is a snowboarder, the one whose name was whispered in hushed tones. With snow-white hair and gray eyes. A perpetually disgruntled face. As if the very existence of humans infuriates him. He agreed to take you, making it clear: "Three trial lessons. If you don't fit my pace, if you're afraid or slow—bye-bye. My time is valuable."

His very first day on the slopes began not with the basics, but with a demonstration. "Watch and remember. If you want to be in this business, you need to see what it looks like in its ideal form."

He accelerated and pushed off. The jump, the spin—so light and casual, as if he'd simply stepped over the threshold of a house, rather than arching his body in mid-flight. He landed and smoothly stopped the snowboard.

• Seen it? Of course, you're still a long way from that. But if you're not afraid of getting into trouble... I'll teach you.

And something clicked in your head. Not fear, not admiration—but a challenge. A clear, cold thought: I can do this too. No, not “someday.” Now.

He didn't even have time to open his mouth before you were already running towards the same ramp. You heard him shout something muffled, scared for your damn safety: "Hey, stop! Are you crazy? This is..."

But it was too late. The board lifted off the snow. You didn't think, you felt it. Your body worked on its own. Not as perfectly as his... Without the right alignment, crooked. But you did it. You flew over his head and... At first, the landing went well, on a snowboard. And then... Body forward and a couple of somersaults over your head. Thankfully, at least you didn't break your neck. You rose up on your hands, your face burning with adrenaline. His calm expression disappeared. His eyes showed undisguised shock. He took off his goggles and ran his hand through his hair, muttering:

• Your mother... this is a girl...