My short stories

The cable cart incident

The sun hung high in the sky as Beatrice, Umar, Gloria, Harry, and Mark stepped into the cable car, their laughter echoing against the mountainside. It was the first day of their long-awaited holiday, and the group was eager to explore the breathtaking views from the summit.

As the cable car began its ascent, they snapped photos and shared stories, excitement bubbling in the air. The lush valleys below slowly transformed into a patchwork of greens and browns, and the distant peaks shimmered under the sun.

"Can you believe we're finally doing this?" Beatrice exclaimed, her eyes sparkling.
"Just wait until we get to the top!" Gloria replied, adjusting her camera for a better shot.

But as they reached the halfway point, the cable car jolted to a sudden stop. The laughter faded into an uneasy silence.

"Uh, what's happening?" Umar asked, glancing nervously at the others.
"Probably just a temporary halt," Harry said, trying to sound reassuring. "These things happen, right?"

Minutes passed, and the group shifted uncomfortably, the initial thrill of the ride replaced by a growing sense of dread. Just as Beatrice was about to suggest they call for help, a loud crack echoed through the air, freezing them in place.

"What was that?" Mark whispered, his voice barely audible.

Before anyone could respond, the cable snapped with a deafening sound, and the car lurched violently. Panic surged through the group as they clung to the seats, their hearts racing as the cable car swung dangerously.

"Hold on!" Beatrice shouted, her voice cutting through the chaos.
"Is this really happening?" Umar gasped, his eyes wide with fear.
"Just breathe! We'll be fine!" Gloria tried to sound calm, but her trembling hands betrayed her.

As the car swayed, they could hear the distant sounds of the world below—shouts, the whir of machinery, and the faint sound of sirens. It was a surreal contrast to the beauty they had just admired moments before.

"Someone has to call for help!" Harry yelled, fumbling for his phone, but there was no signal. The realization hit them hard; they were utterly alone, suspended in mid-air with no way to communicate.

"Okay, okay," Mark said, trying to rally the group. "We need to stay calm and think this through."
"Think? We're hanging from a cable car!" Umar cried, his voice rising in panic.

Suddenly, a voice crackled through the radio system in the car. "We're aware of the situation. Stay calm. Rescue teams are on their way."

"Oh, thank goodness!" Beatrice sighed, but the relief was short-lived as the cable car swayed again, sending them into a fresh wave of panic.

Minutes felt like hours as they waited, the sun dipping lower in the sky. The shadows grew longer, and the air turned cooler. Just when despair began to creep in, they heard the distant thrum of helicopters approaching.

"Help is coming!" Gloria shouted, her voice filled with renewed hope.

Finally, after what felt like an eternity, a rescue worker appeared at the door of the cable car, his silhouette framed against the fading light and one by one, the group were harnessed and pulled to safety, a rush of adrenaline and relief flooding their senses as they descended to solid ground.

Once on the ground, they collapsed into a heap, laughter and tears mingling as they embraced each other tightly.

"Never again!" Umar gasped between breaths, still shaken.
"Agreed," Harry said, grinning despite the ordeal. "But can you believe we survived that? How many people can say that?" earning a laugh from the others.