ssed in layers, determined to explore the woods again before the snowstorm returned. She had woken

She followed the path Alex had cleared the previous day but veered off as soon as the inn was out of sight. The woo

t was perfect, casting long shadows across the pristine ground. She crouched to photograph a pat

her chest. Spinning around, she saw nothing but the endless trees. Her

her voice startlingly

ind weaving through the trees. Shaking her head,

ry so often, she glanced over her shoulder, half-expecting to see Alex standing

y looked fresh, the edges crisp against the snow's surface. She crouched down to examine them, her camera click

er throat. The wind picked up, swaying the branches and sending a flurry of snowflakes sw

, her voice more h

her when she saw it was him. He was dressed in his usual layers,

re?" he asked, his tone lo

oice steadier than she felt. "W

e you don't

yebrow. "You're

the snow. His gaze drifted to the animal tracks she'd been studying

rlier unease lingered. "What kind o

e traced the edge of one print with his gloved hand be

, watching him carefully. "You're really

t wha

re always so...

t he didn't answer. Instead, he gestured for her to

r answers. The pull of curiosity won out, and she fell into

crunch of their boots in the snow. The woods seemed even quiet

woods, are you?" she ask

lied without l

What are you so af

on was unreadable, but there was a flicker of somethin

stions," he said, his

want to und

en't meant to b

a cop-

respond. Instead, he turned and continued w

ds gathering on the horizon. Alex disappeared into the kitchen wit

ng back to the woods-and to Alex. There was something he wasn't tell

n to the living room, where Alex was stoking the fire. The flames cast a

?" she asked, leaning

didn't look up

not

time to

edge of the couch, watching him. "What

dn't answer. But then he straight

ng to let this

a cha

s place... it's not just a home. It's a reminder.

her off guard. She leaned forward, her

e, his shoulders tense. "And I'd rath

nted to reach out, to tell him he didn't have to c

between them. Finally, Alex spoke aga

buried," he said, echoing the

oice steady. "But some things

ker in his eyes told her he'd hea