Fall at the Fire Tower

It was a bright and warm spring day when four friends saddled up their horses ready for an adventure. Haley could barely contain her excitement. She fussed and complained as Becky double-checked everything, going over each horse with meticulous care, checking the tack and water bottles, making sure everything was in order. Haley groaned and rolled her eyes. She jumped into her saddle signalling that she was ready to go, and they set off at an easy pace toward the fire tower. They went for some time along the roadside, but soon they turned off the road to follow the forestry tracks.

It was nice in the forestry, the air was fresh and cool, and the scenery was gorgeous. Rolling hills covered in pine trees, dark mysterious places where the trees grew thick and close, and open plains that allowed for galloping over the soft thick grass. Even Becky and Kristy took the chance to let loose and they all galloped for a while. Haley was always at the lead urging the others to follow, daring them to beat her. The track began to get rough; loose stones and deep ruts began to cause the horses to stumble so they slowed to a cautious pace as the fire tower sprung up ahead.

They stared up at its towering height, trembling with excitement. This was the first time they had all been here together, without the company of an adult, and now they were overcome by awe. The tower became a mysterious citadel, full of secrets and wonder. It could be a ruin of times long forgotten, of castles and battles, and most of all heroes. It was a monster to be conquered by the brave and these four friends had travelled over treacherous fields, and flowing plains under the blazing sun, to conquer the tower and unmask its mysteries. As they came close to the first flight of stairs battle cries rang out and they jumped from their steeds laughing and play fighting.

“I am the King,” Jake shouted as he sprang up the first few steps.
“Ladies before gentlemen Jake,” Haley said as she shoved past him. Becky and Kristy rolled their eyes and began climbing the steps together. “I am going to count them,” Haley said as she dashed up the first flight, then came jogging back down to start her count, ‘And I will still beat you slow-coaches,” she sighed as she passed the girls again. Jake had leapt up the second flight two steps at a time, and was taunting the three girls to climb faster. Eventually they all reached the last flight and stood panting and puffing against the rickety railings.
“Three hundred and eleven,” announced Haley breathlessly.
“Huh?” was the response from her companions.
“The stairs you geeks, remember I counted them.” She turned to look out over the countryside and the others did likewise. “Wow look at that view.” She stood a moment, the shouted victoriously, “Time waits for no man, let’s go” she flashed a wicked smile before dashing down the first flight of stairs.
“Wait, Haley, you’ll fall” they cried out. Haley didn’t listen. Her friends watched in horror as she raced down each flight of steps, they in turn ran after her.

Haley kept on racing, chanting, ‘can’t catch me’. Overhead on the stairs above her friends called and shouted for her to slow down as they cautiously hurried down the rickety steps. Suddenly Haley stopped on the landing above the second flight and waited for her friends to catch up. As they came near she sprang to her feet and made to run off again, but she lost her footing and slipped. As she tumbled down the second flight of stairs she cried out. Her clothing snagged the chain wire on the railings; it pulled at her hair like claws ripping her scalp. Her knees were bleeding and her hands were grazed, she tried to grab the steps as they tumbled past but she couldn’t. She cried frantically in the seconds that she fell, and to her it felt like a lifetime. Every rattle and thump on the steps was magnified in her mind and she thought it would never end. Suddenly she hit the landing of the first flight of stairs with a sickening crash. A safety rail smashed into her back and splintered. She felt the sharp spikes tear her flesh and then all was black.

When she came to she was in an ambulance. Every bump in the road filled her body with pain. Her head ached like a thousand knives had been driven into her skull. She tried to turn her head, but she wore a neck brace. She cried for her mother, who gently caressed her hand.

“I’m sorry mum, I was being stupid.” Tears burnt her eyes and coursed down her cheeks. She knew she had betrayed her mum, betrayed her trust. She wanted to curl up and hide somewhere safe. Wanted to turn away from her mothers’ sad eyes. But she couldn’t move, couldn’t feel her legs. Terror swept through her. Her eyes wide and glistening, she wanted to wail. What had she done? She closed her eyes and prayed. If only she could turn back the clock. If only she had not run down the stairs. She wept silently as the ambulance pulled up to the hospital entrance. She remained silent as she was transferred to the emergency room. No words could undo this now; no words could forgive or forget. There were no words to comfort her. Silently she cried in self-reproach.