This story from Tobias Wolff explores the relationship between a boy and his father at a time when his parent’s marriage is failing. The two have very different personalities. The boy is conservative and super-organized; the father carefree and irresponsible with little regard for rules. In order to return his son home from a skiing holiday in time for Christmas, the father disregards a police barrier and attempts a dangerous drive down a mountain in heavy snow. The boy shares a moment of bonding with his father as he uncharacteristically decides to ignore the potential consequences and enjoy the experience.
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What were the boys feelings as they left the road and plowed through the snow
He is initially apprehensive. Breaking rules and risk-taking are totally against his character. As they get further down the mountain, there is a moment of bonding and his anxiety is replaced by exhilaration. (I stopped moping and began to enjoy myself. … I actually trusted him. And the best was yet to come — switchbacks and hairpins impossible to describe. Except maybe to say this: if you haven’t driven fresh powder, you haven’t driven.).