William Newton was practically sprinting up the mountain trail. He was so close to the summit when he suddenly got stuck.

The crowd had stopped climbing — the New Year’s countdown had begun.

Everyone on the steps froze, faces turned to the open sky, voices blending together as they counted down and cheered.

There were so many hikers that once one person stopped, the entire path jammed.

William had no choice but to grit his teeth and wait.

The second the countdown ended, a hundred fireworks exploded above the square, dazzling bursts lighting up the night. People gasped, phones lifted, the world washed in color.

William couldn’t take it anymore....