(Final Word Count 3015 Words)
The following article is a reference to: https://forums.sim-football.com/showthre...#pid495864
https://forums.sim-football.com/showthre...#pid495864
________
Sizzling in the Snowstorm: A Profile of Morpheus Czargyros
By Saachan
________
Paris. . . Tokyo. . . Miami. . .
Such cities evoke imagery of a vibrant nightlife, gorgeous views, and luxuries available to those of means. Often the world’s greatest athletes will be seen in premier destinations during their off-seasons so that they might train at their private gyms, enjoy a nightlife with elite company, and build their brand as the masses do their best to follow and track their every move.
For 6 years I’ve been in Antarctica, meeting with a different breed of difference makers. Scientists, researchers, individuals who back home need a few trips to bring in all their groceries from their car. Late night discussions over their research on climate change, migrations of animals, and even a few quick interviews with adventurers who have aimed to survive and travel in hostile conditions has made up the bulk of my reporting in this locale.
But 2 weeks ago I received word that an athletic celebrity would be arriving in Antarctica to conduct off-season workouts while trying to build his teams’ fanbase in Antarctica. Since reporting here, I’ve seen men come to this continent to prove timid PhD hypotheses only to fail. I’ve seen adventurers aim to cross new paths and never return. And upon learning of this young man’s aims, I knew I had a journalistic responsibility to witness this man’s failure.
A few days later, I learned that this “DSFL Rookie” had landed and I immediately went to greet him. Wearing a tank top emblazed with a beautiful duck and matching shorts, he sunk in the hard ice due to his weight and bags the size of his body on his back and in each arm. With each step I heard the ground crunch, and most curiously, also faintly heard what sounded like steam. Indeed, as I looked to his feet, adorned in flip flops, there was slightest smoke lifting off his footprints as if the heat he left behind cause the ice to both melt and evaporate in his wake.
I offered my hand in a formal greeting and he instead dropped both bags and wrapped his arms around me, exclaiming, “Saachan! It is an incredible honor to meet with you!”
I was stunned.
I asked how he knew my name. He responded that he had been a fan of my writing for years. Greatly concerned with global warming and its effects on his local town of Rancho Cucamonga, this football player was as much brain as he was brawn, having read extensively on various topics of global warming research including my own reporting. Although I knew this man’s mission, I knew nothing about him yet. It was time to change that.
Morpheus Czargyros, 21 years old, recent graduate of University of Redlands, Defensive Player of the Year in his division. His twin brother, Orpheus was also a defensive DSFL player, though he was drafted to another team. Morpheus’ ultimate aim, he told me, was to someday win an Ultimus but to always have fun in the pursuit of greatness. My time with Morpheus proved that he was a man who knew how to have fun.
Recently drafted by the Minnesota Ducks, Morpheus was asked to travel to a new land to help build the Ducks’ international fanbase. Recent DSFL Champions, the Ducks already have a large international fanbase but on the heels of supreme victory, wanted to share the excitement and bring in new fans. Morpheus chose Antarctica because it sounded like a great challenge and a unique opportunity as a place to train.
I had presumed this mission, impossible, when I heard of it but after meeting Morpheus I could tell he was bringing a new perspective to this frozen tundra. Maybe he could heat up interest in a land of recluses.
I travelled with Morpheus to the pod he would be staying in. When we entered the room he threw his bags onto his bed. I expected the bed to break from what I assumed were bags filled with exercise equipment. Instead, they bounced off effortlessly.
“What’s in those bags?” I dared ask.
“Just enough merch to hopefully clothe everyone on this continent.”
I couldn’t help but laugh. “I’m sure the people here will appreciate the branded merchandise, but how are you going to train while here?”
Morpheus flashed a knowing and confident smile I had never seen before from another human and I would only see once again before his departure.
Unpacked, Morpheus was ready to meet some locals. I took him from pod to pod and Morpheus would offer gear, ask what the local scientist was studying, and respond with great insights or questions into the scientists’ area of study. Some of them, similar to myself, were published in areas that Morpheus was well read in. His knowledge of many of their writings excited them and made them all the more willing to take athletic merchandise and even ask a few questions of their own to him about his team.
Pod to pod we travelled, and Morpheus never slowed down. He greeted each new person with the same exuberance he had greeted me with and his positivity and energy became infectious. He ended each conversation with “well tomorrow I’m starting my grind, I hope you’ll join me!” These declarations were met with pensive affirmations and I had my concerns that after a night of sleep, Morpheus’ energetic impact would have waned, and him and I would be alone the following morning during his training. Instead, the following morning, Morpheus yet again surprised me.
Antarctic mornings are not for the feint of heart. The sun hasn’t yet warmed the earth, the wind are at a high, and unprotected skin quickly suffers frostbite. Morpheus had asked that we meet at 6am but I had a feeling that after Morpheus’ skin touched the harsh air, he would push back our training until later in the day. I checked my phone at 6am to see if he had sent such a message asking to push back but instead found “no new messages.”
So, I trudged outside in full winter gear, curious to see how Morpheus was faring in these conditions. In the center of an ice field in the dim morning light, I saw what I only recognized as a yeti, bounding across the field with alarming pace and strength. I stood in awe and terror until my eyes realized that this creature was indeed Morpheus. In a tank top and shorts, adorned with the beautiful duck, Morpheus explained that he had been out since 5am warming up. “If you want to be the best, you have to practice to get the most out of your practice.” I had always heard of what efforts realize greatness but this was my first time seeing it in person.
Morpheus had gotten outdoors early to get warm up laps, body weight workouts, and wind sprints in. He had also collected some stray broken sleds and repaired them. Somehow, he also found the time to make a row of snowmen. I asked him why he wasn’t cold in this weather and he just laughed and told me that after training with him, I wouldn’t need my jacket.
And so I put Morpheus’ hypothesis to the test. He had me run laps with him. I attempted a few wind sprints. And he demonstrated the proper technique for tackling by having me run towards snowmen, wrap my hands around the top of their bottom sphere, and break them down with a blissful blend of speed and strength.
We were at it for an hour. I became exhausted. And I became a little disappointed that nobody else was sharing in this experience. I asked him if he was upset that nobody else had arrived. He then revealed, “I realized this morning it was way too cold for everyone to come out so I texted them and asked them to come at 8am. Hopefully they arrive soon!”
I asked why he didn’t text me. “Saachan, I can tell you’re a tough guy. I wanted some time here with you alone.” I didn’t know if I was honored or upset to be in the cold but as I thought of the cold, I realized my jacket wasn’t even on. At some point during our training, I must have instinctively taken off my jacket from overheating. And as the realization overcame me that Morpheus might be on to something, I saw the entirety of the community arrive from a distance.
Morpheus was not only an excellent player and personal trainer, but a true leader of men. There were probably 50 of us in total and Morpheus had us all running laps, learning how to tackle, and pulling one another on sleds. Careful to teach us the little details, while also managing rotating groups so that everybody was getting a full body workout in, I saw each person instinctively take off their jacket one by one over the course of our training session.
Soon, it was noon and we were all without our jackets, struggling to breathe from our training but wearing the widest grins any of us had seen the other wear in our time together. Morpheus patted each of us on the back and congratulated us on a great workout before asking if we were ready for lunch.
An industrious man, Morpheus had been active even before his pre-practice. He had brought and pre-cut various peppers, onions, and even pineapple (a delicacy none of us had enjoyed in years). Shyly, Morpheus did inquire if there was any meat that he might use for his dish as he had not been able to bring any due to risk of spoilage. Our community looked at one another, before telling him that we had stocks of penguin meat nearby. Morpheus responded with elation at the opportunity to try a new meat.
Many of us had had fajitas before, but never quite like this. Morpheus grilled the veggies and pineapple to perfection, slicing them in half inch increments afterwards and beautifully mixing them in with the penguin meat. Paprika, cumin, chili, a little bit of curry, Morpheus confessed that this secret family blend was a Rancho Cucamonga specialty and that he was as excited to share it with us as he was to share the Minnesota Ducks victory.
A perfectly decadent meal, it was the best lunch Antarctica ever shared. Morpheus regaled us with tales of Oles Jr., Huntsman, and Bay dominating defenses with incredible offensive prowess. With a twinkle in his eye, he told us how much he admired Reed, Bane, Awntop, and how much he looked forward to playing with them as a dominant defensive unit. Though none of us had watched DSFL games before, all of us would be tuning in for Season 30. We all fell in love a little bit with Morpheus that day and with our love for him a life-long love of the Minnesota Ducks had emerged.
With full stomachs and still no jackets, we felt a unique heat from living out Morpheus’ lifestyle. We were in sub-zero temperatures, but the cold no longer bothered us. We were digesting and Morpheus was back on the field building more snowmen. None of us knew if we truly had it in us for another round of exercises but not a single person could tell Morpheus “No” when he came over and asked if we were ready for more.
As the local reporter I am always aware of who is coming to our community. But I was completely caught off guard when an ISFL legend arrived. Osiris Firestorm-Fjord, a previous Defensive Back of the Year, came to the outskirts of our field and asked if he could join. Demonstrating incredible agility and nimbleness, it was clear that Osiris was still as capable as he was the day he was drafted. He rambled for quite a while between exercises about how “regression is theft,” but I failed to learn much more about him than that he hated regression with his entire being and he was in Antarctica so that he might attempt to cross it on his own.
Morpheus, in our time thus far, was never without words. But upon seeing Osiris blaze through those snowmen, I saw a grown man look like a child on Christmas seeing Santa for the first time. “I grew up watching Osiris dominate the DSFL and then ISFL. I wanted to play with him but regression took everything from him.” Again, I’m afraid that I cannot exactly explain what regression is, but I can express the wonder in Morpheus’ eyes as he watched his hero train.
Soon it was time for dinner and we all sat to eat leftovers. Osiris enjoyed Morpheus’ secret home-town blend and Morpheus took incredible pleasure in that. Osiris passed on a few veteran tips for Morpheus and Morpheus nodded his head with intense engagement. However, Morpheus made sure to translate the advice to the rest of the community and did his best to not only focus on his hero but also to engage with everybody else. Soon Osiris started telling stories about his glory days but they quickly turned into rants against “regression” before apologizing and asking Morpheus to continue with tales of his own.
Night came quickly and Osiris explained that he wanted to hit the path within the hour. Morpheus gave Osiris a hug, thanked him for his mentorship, and wished him well on his journey. As Osiris began his journey, Morpheus watched longingly before turning to me and promising “when I retire I’m going to attempt the same journey he is. I really hope you’re still here when I do. Regression means I’ll have a short career so I’m sure you will be.”
A little bit confused, I helped Morpheus bring the sleds back to their place and we said our goodnights to the rest of the community. The day was long, the afternoon was wonderful, and I realized I was still not wearing my coat. Whatever magic Morpheus had imparted upon was permanently affixed to ourselves but Morpheus still had one final magic act to complete.
It was 1am when the howling began. Soon rhythmic beating from sheets of ice smashing into my pod lulled me out of sleep. There was no warning of a storm and I had never heard a storm like this before. I remembered how under-packed Morpheus was and I knew I had to check on him. Heading towards his pod I saw that the lights were on. I was hopeful that he was okay.
Walking into his pod I saw Morpheus pacing back and forth, no sign of damage from the cold. “Do you think he’s okay?” Morpheus pleaded. I was confused. “Who?” “Osiris!” I gasped. Somehow I had forgotten about Osiris and I remembered distinctively that Osiris looked quite under-packed. “I’m not sure. This storm is unlike anything I’ve seen before,” I confessed.
Morpheus squatted low to the ground and began to breathe deeply before calmly stating “I can check on him, but I need you to promise to not send anybody after me. I am going to be okay but can’t risk anybody else getting hurt trying to find me.”
I didn’t know how to respond. I couldn’t remain in this weather for more than 10 minutes and regardless of how well Morpheus had handled the cold before, this was a completely different beast. I didn’t have a chance to respond.
“I’m going to go now. Stay in this pod until I’m back. There are plenty of Minnesota Ducks tank tops in here to keep you warm.”
I wanted to protest but then Morpheus flashed that knowing and confident smile again. That damn smile. And Morpheus was gone.
I couldn’t help myself from pacing back and forth, looking out the window every few minutes to see if I’d find Morpheus’ outline in the distance. An hour passed. Then another. Then a third. Occasionally the reality would set it. A grown man in a tank top and shorts just ran outside in sub 0 weather in Antarctica in the heaviest snow storm I’d seen in 6 years. I know Elon Musk says we’re all living in a simulation, but this is real life. Morpheus is flesh and blood, I’ve felt him embrace me. No one could survive a storm like this.
It was when I felt true doubt and concern fill my body that I saw it. Somehow, in the middle of the storm, was a growing sphere of steam. As if the snow pellets had hit a glass barrier and immediately transformed into water and then steam. The sphere grew larger and larger and soon I could make out Morpheus’ shape in the steam. I ran out to embrace him, but burned myself when I touched his skin.
“Be careful, Saachan! I’m sizzling.” Morpheus cautioned me as though I was a child who had touched a stove.
I asked where Osiris was. Morpheus informed me, “Osiris is fine, he just needed an extra layer so I gave him a Minnesota Ducks tank top. He’ll be able to complete the journey with it.” I would say that I was in disbelief, but Morpheus had proven to me that magic is real.
The next day Morpheus had empty bags with him. All of his merchandise had been handed out. All of Antarctica loved him and the Minnesota Ducks. He said it was time to go home and begin preseason with his team. I’d be lying if I said that our continent didn’t weep as we watched him leave.
I had taken on this story with the belief that I would watch a young man fail to do the impossible. Instead I watched a leader of men, a true inspiration, and a hero sizzle in a snow storm. No matter how the rest of Morpheus Czargryos’ career plays out, he’ll always have a home in Rancho Cucamonga and in Antarctica.
The following article is a reference to: https://forums.sim-football.com/showthre...#pid495864
https://forums.sim-football.com/showthre...#pid495864
________
Sizzling in the Snowstorm: A Profile of Morpheus Czargyros
By Saachan
________
Paris. . . Tokyo. . . Miami. . .
Such cities evoke imagery of a vibrant nightlife, gorgeous views, and luxuries available to those of means. Often the world’s greatest athletes will be seen in premier destinations during their off-seasons so that they might train at their private gyms, enjoy a nightlife with elite company, and build their brand as the masses do their best to follow and track their every move.
For 6 years I’ve been in Antarctica, meeting with a different breed of difference makers. Scientists, researchers, individuals who back home need a few trips to bring in all their groceries from their car. Late night discussions over their research on climate change, migrations of animals, and even a few quick interviews with adventurers who have aimed to survive and travel in hostile conditions has made up the bulk of my reporting in this locale.
But 2 weeks ago I received word that an athletic celebrity would be arriving in Antarctica to conduct off-season workouts while trying to build his teams’ fanbase in Antarctica. Since reporting here, I’ve seen men come to this continent to prove timid PhD hypotheses only to fail. I’ve seen adventurers aim to cross new paths and never return. And upon learning of this young man’s aims, I knew I had a journalistic responsibility to witness this man’s failure.
A few days later, I learned that this “DSFL Rookie” had landed and I immediately went to greet him. Wearing a tank top emblazed with a beautiful duck and matching shorts, he sunk in the hard ice due to his weight and bags the size of his body on his back and in each arm. With each step I heard the ground crunch, and most curiously, also faintly heard what sounded like steam. Indeed, as I looked to his feet, adorned in flip flops, there was slightest smoke lifting off his footprints as if the heat he left behind cause the ice to both melt and evaporate in his wake.
I offered my hand in a formal greeting and he instead dropped both bags and wrapped his arms around me, exclaiming, “Saachan! It is an incredible honor to meet with you!”
I was stunned.
I asked how he knew my name. He responded that he had been a fan of my writing for years. Greatly concerned with global warming and its effects on his local town of Rancho Cucamonga, this football player was as much brain as he was brawn, having read extensively on various topics of global warming research including my own reporting. Although I knew this man’s mission, I knew nothing about him yet. It was time to change that.
Morpheus Czargyros, 21 years old, recent graduate of University of Redlands, Defensive Player of the Year in his division. His twin brother, Orpheus was also a defensive DSFL player, though he was drafted to another team. Morpheus’ ultimate aim, he told me, was to someday win an Ultimus but to always have fun in the pursuit of greatness. My time with Morpheus proved that he was a man who knew how to have fun.
Recently drafted by the Minnesota Ducks, Morpheus was asked to travel to a new land to help build the Ducks’ international fanbase. Recent DSFL Champions, the Ducks already have a large international fanbase but on the heels of supreme victory, wanted to share the excitement and bring in new fans. Morpheus chose Antarctica because it sounded like a great challenge and a unique opportunity as a place to train.
I had presumed this mission, impossible, when I heard of it but after meeting Morpheus I could tell he was bringing a new perspective to this frozen tundra. Maybe he could heat up interest in a land of recluses.
I travelled with Morpheus to the pod he would be staying in. When we entered the room he threw his bags onto his bed. I expected the bed to break from what I assumed were bags filled with exercise equipment. Instead, they bounced off effortlessly.
“What’s in those bags?” I dared ask.
“Just enough merch to hopefully clothe everyone on this continent.”
I couldn’t help but laugh. “I’m sure the people here will appreciate the branded merchandise, but how are you going to train while here?”
Morpheus flashed a knowing and confident smile I had never seen before from another human and I would only see once again before his departure.
Unpacked, Morpheus was ready to meet some locals. I took him from pod to pod and Morpheus would offer gear, ask what the local scientist was studying, and respond with great insights or questions into the scientists’ area of study. Some of them, similar to myself, were published in areas that Morpheus was well read in. His knowledge of many of their writings excited them and made them all the more willing to take athletic merchandise and even ask a few questions of their own to him about his team.
Pod to pod we travelled, and Morpheus never slowed down. He greeted each new person with the same exuberance he had greeted me with and his positivity and energy became infectious. He ended each conversation with “well tomorrow I’m starting my grind, I hope you’ll join me!” These declarations were met with pensive affirmations and I had my concerns that after a night of sleep, Morpheus’ energetic impact would have waned, and him and I would be alone the following morning during his training. Instead, the following morning, Morpheus yet again surprised me.
Antarctic mornings are not for the feint of heart. The sun hasn’t yet warmed the earth, the wind are at a high, and unprotected skin quickly suffers frostbite. Morpheus had asked that we meet at 6am but I had a feeling that after Morpheus’ skin touched the harsh air, he would push back our training until later in the day. I checked my phone at 6am to see if he had sent such a message asking to push back but instead found “no new messages.”
So, I trudged outside in full winter gear, curious to see how Morpheus was faring in these conditions. In the center of an ice field in the dim morning light, I saw what I only recognized as a yeti, bounding across the field with alarming pace and strength. I stood in awe and terror until my eyes realized that this creature was indeed Morpheus. In a tank top and shorts, adorned with the beautiful duck, Morpheus explained that he had been out since 5am warming up. “If you want to be the best, you have to practice to get the most out of your practice.” I had always heard of what efforts realize greatness but this was my first time seeing it in person.
Morpheus had gotten outdoors early to get warm up laps, body weight workouts, and wind sprints in. He had also collected some stray broken sleds and repaired them. Somehow, he also found the time to make a row of snowmen. I asked him why he wasn’t cold in this weather and he just laughed and told me that after training with him, I wouldn’t need my jacket.
And so I put Morpheus’ hypothesis to the test. He had me run laps with him. I attempted a few wind sprints. And he demonstrated the proper technique for tackling by having me run towards snowmen, wrap my hands around the top of their bottom sphere, and break them down with a blissful blend of speed and strength.
We were at it for an hour. I became exhausted. And I became a little disappointed that nobody else was sharing in this experience. I asked him if he was upset that nobody else had arrived. He then revealed, “I realized this morning it was way too cold for everyone to come out so I texted them and asked them to come at 8am. Hopefully they arrive soon!”
I asked why he didn’t text me. “Saachan, I can tell you’re a tough guy. I wanted some time here with you alone.” I didn’t know if I was honored or upset to be in the cold but as I thought of the cold, I realized my jacket wasn’t even on. At some point during our training, I must have instinctively taken off my jacket from overheating. And as the realization overcame me that Morpheus might be on to something, I saw the entirety of the community arrive from a distance.
Morpheus was not only an excellent player and personal trainer, but a true leader of men. There were probably 50 of us in total and Morpheus had us all running laps, learning how to tackle, and pulling one another on sleds. Careful to teach us the little details, while also managing rotating groups so that everybody was getting a full body workout in, I saw each person instinctively take off their jacket one by one over the course of our training session.
Soon, it was noon and we were all without our jackets, struggling to breathe from our training but wearing the widest grins any of us had seen the other wear in our time together. Morpheus patted each of us on the back and congratulated us on a great workout before asking if we were ready for lunch.
An industrious man, Morpheus had been active even before his pre-practice. He had brought and pre-cut various peppers, onions, and even pineapple (a delicacy none of us had enjoyed in years). Shyly, Morpheus did inquire if there was any meat that he might use for his dish as he had not been able to bring any due to risk of spoilage. Our community looked at one another, before telling him that we had stocks of penguin meat nearby. Morpheus responded with elation at the opportunity to try a new meat.
Many of us had had fajitas before, but never quite like this. Morpheus grilled the veggies and pineapple to perfection, slicing them in half inch increments afterwards and beautifully mixing them in with the penguin meat. Paprika, cumin, chili, a little bit of curry, Morpheus confessed that this secret family blend was a Rancho Cucamonga specialty and that he was as excited to share it with us as he was to share the Minnesota Ducks victory.
A perfectly decadent meal, it was the best lunch Antarctica ever shared. Morpheus regaled us with tales of Oles Jr., Huntsman, and Bay dominating defenses with incredible offensive prowess. With a twinkle in his eye, he told us how much he admired Reed, Bane, Awntop, and how much he looked forward to playing with them as a dominant defensive unit. Though none of us had watched DSFL games before, all of us would be tuning in for Season 30. We all fell in love a little bit with Morpheus that day and with our love for him a life-long love of the Minnesota Ducks had emerged.
With full stomachs and still no jackets, we felt a unique heat from living out Morpheus’ lifestyle. We were in sub-zero temperatures, but the cold no longer bothered us. We were digesting and Morpheus was back on the field building more snowmen. None of us knew if we truly had it in us for another round of exercises but not a single person could tell Morpheus “No” when he came over and asked if we were ready for more.
As the local reporter I am always aware of who is coming to our community. But I was completely caught off guard when an ISFL legend arrived. Osiris Firestorm-Fjord, a previous Defensive Back of the Year, came to the outskirts of our field and asked if he could join. Demonstrating incredible agility and nimbleness, it was clear that Osiris was still as capable as he was the day he was drafted. He rambled for quite a while between exercises about how “regression is theft,” but I failed to learn much more about him than that he hated regression with his entire being and he was in Antarctica so that he might attempt to cross it on his own.
Morpheus, in our time thus far, was never without words. But upon seeing Osiris blaze through those snowmen, I saw a grown man look like a child on Christmas seeing Santa for the first time. “I grew up watching Osiris dominate the DSFL and then ISFL. I wanted to play with him but regression took everything from him.” Again, I’m afraid that I cannot exactly explain what regression is, but I can express the wonder in Morpheus’ eyes as he watched his hero train.
Soon it was time for dinner and we all sat to eat leftovers. Osiris enjoyed Morpheus’ secret home-town blend and Morpheus took incredible pleasure in that. Osiris passed on a few veteran tips for Morpheus and Morpheus nodded his head with intense engagement. However, Morpheus made sure to translate the advice to the rest of the community and did his best to not only focus on his hero but also to engage with everybody else. Soon Osiris started telling stories about his glory days but they quickly turned into rants against “regression” before apologizing and asking Morpheus to continue with tales of his own.
Night came quickly and Osiris explained that he wanted to hit the path within the hour. Morpheus gave Osiris a hug, thanked him for his mentorship, and wished him well on his journey. As Osiris began his journey, Morpheus watched longingly before turning to me and promising “when I retire I’m going to attempt the same journey he is. I really hope you’re still here when I do. Regression means I’ll have a short career so I’m sure you will be.”
A little bit confused, I helped Morpheus bring the sleds back to their place and we said our goodnights to the rest of the community. The day was long, the afternoon was wonderful, and I realized I was still not wearing my coat. Whatever magic Morpheus had imparted upon was permanently affixed to ourselves but Morpheus still had one final magic act to complete.
It was 1am when the howling began. Soon rhythmic beating from sheets of ice smashing into my pod lulled me out of sleep. There was no warning of a storm and I had never heard a storm like this before. I remembered how under-packed Morpheus was and I knew I had to check on him. Heading towards his pod I saw that the lights were on. I was hopeful that he was okay.
Walking into his pod I saw Morpheus pacing back and forth, no sign of damage from the cold. “Do you think he’s okay?” Morpheus pleaded. I was confused. “Who?” “Osiris!” I gasped. Somehow I had forgotten about Osiris and I remembered distinctively that Osiris looked quite under-packed. “I’m not sure. This storm is unlike anything I’ve seen before,” I confessed.
Morpheus squatted low to the ground and began to breathe deeply before calmly stating “I can check on him, but I need you to promise to not send anybody after me. I am going to be okay but can’t risk anybody else getting hurt trying to find me.”
I didn’t know how to respond. I couldn’t remain in this weather for more than 10 minutes and regardless of how well Morpheus had handled the cold before, this was a completely different beast. I didn’t have a chance to respond.
“I’m going to go now. Stay in this pod until I’m back. There are plenty of Minnesota Ducks tank tops in here to keep you warm.”
I wanted to protest but then Morpheus flashed that knowing and confident smile again. That damn smile. And Morpheus was gone.
I couldn’t help myself from pacing back and forth, looking out the window every few minutes to see if I’d find Morpheus’ outline in the distance. An hour passed. Then another. Then a third. Occasionally the reality would set it. A grown man in a tank top and shorts just ran outside in sub 0 weather in Antarctica in the heaviest snow storm I’d seen in 6 years. I know Elon Musk says we’re all living in a simulation, but this is real life. Morpheus is flesh and blood, I’ve felt him embrace me. No one could survive a storm like this.
It was when I felt true doubt and concern fill my body that I saw it. Somehow, in the middle of the storm, was a growing sphere of steam. As if the snow pellets had hit a glass barrier and immediately transformed into water and then steam. The sphere grew larger and larger and soon I could make out Morpheus’ shape in the steam. I ran out to embrace him, but burned myself when I touched his skin.
“Be careful, Saachan! I’m sizzling.” Morpheus cautioned me as though I was a child who had touched a stove.
I asked where Osiris was. Morpheus informed me, “Osiris is fine, he just needed an extra layer so I gave him a Minnesota Ducks tank top. He’ll be able to complete the journey with it.” I would say that I was in disbelief, but Morpheus had proven to me that magic is real.
The next day Morpheus had empty bags with him. All of his merchandise had been handed out. All of Antarctica loved him and the Minnesota Ducks. He said it was time to go home and begin preseason with his team. I’d be lying if I said that our continent didn’t weep as we watched him leave.
I had taken on this story with the belief that I would watch a young man fail to do the impossible. Instead I watched a leader of men, a true inspiration, and a hero sizzle in a snow storm. No matter how the rest of Morpheus Czargryos’ career plays out, he’ll always have a home in Rancho Cucamonga and in Antarctica.
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![[Image: CwDeAUi.png]](https://i.imgur.com/CwDeAUi.png)
![[Image: 1b4e4eb3d89a5bbc330761873e381b3f.jpg]](https://i.pinimg.com/originals/1b/4e/4e/1b4e4eb3d89a5bbc330761873e381b3f.jpg)
![[Image: 018p.png]](https://i.postimg.cc/WbJGDCCK/018p.png)
![[Image: pot1.png]](https://i.postimg.cc/gkK39ckq/pot1.png)
![[Image: ppnNiMM.png]](https://i.imgur.com/ppnNiMM.png)
