Change of pace

I was walking along a path that traced the top of the mountain, when the mountain sighed and gave out, crumbling immediately to the ground. I rode the fall safely like a wave surfer.

I leaned down and asked the once mountain what had happened. The once mountain whispered, “It takes a lot of effort to be a mountain. For years I have strained under the constant effort. I’d had enough and radically disassembled. I’m sorry if I let you down.”

I said, “I’m alright. But I’m worried for you. What will you do?”

The once mountain said, “This.”