The Tree Falled in the Woods

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A tree fell in the woods. It might not have, but it did. John could have died, but he didn't. Other possibilities spiralled infinitely outward from there. We were more capable than i had understood. We were also far more helpless. On the ride back to gustavus with our gear, i pictured self again as a small blip in empty space. The ride was rough and jumpy as oglvy impatiently pounded his boat through the last vestigial wave energy of the storm. There was a moment when i felt so safe that i loosened my grip, leaned slightly into the motion of the boat, and, closing my eyes, felt myself lift off

It was meant to mark the start of their lives out of college, but the adventure quickly turned into a nightmare. Beginning with what seemed to be a lucky whale sighting, three friends set out on a sea-kayaking trip through Glacier Bay National Park in Alaska, watching out for bears, and having a good time, when tragedy struck.

In recounting the days preceding and following the accident, which seriously injured one of his friends, the Times journalist Jon Mooallem explains how he was forced to reckon with his fears. Detailing the incident’s surprising repercussions, he muses on the importance of overcoming one’s fears, and finding poetry in life’s darkest moments.

This story was written by Jon Mooallem. To hear more audio stories from publications like The New York Times, download Audm for iPhone or Android.