The Valpo Core Reader
 

Authors

John Speckhard

Document Type

Narrative Essay

Publication Date

1984

Excerpt

A burning wind whistled through the pine trees on • the shore of the lake and I held my breath, waiting for its assault. The blast hit me before I could turn my head, and it set my face on fire again. Michael was gliding down my side of the boards, his smoky breath trailing him. I backpedaled quickly and then slowed down, waiting for him. Would he try to go around me or pass into the middle? His well-trained eyes weren't giving any clues, but seemed to look through me, as if I weren't there. His gloveless hands looked hard and brittle, like dry twigs in an August drought. Finally, he reached me, and our sticks slapped together in our battle for the puck. This duel ended in a draw as the puck flew over the boards and buried itself in a snow bank, bringing a temporary cease-fire.

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