The morning came clear and cold.
Sebastian woke to sunlight streaming through the windows, bright and sharp, reflecting off the snow. The cabin was still buried, but the sky was blue and the wind was gone. For the first time in days, the world outside looked peaceful instead of threatening.
Julian was already awake, sitting by the window, wrapped in a blanket. His breath fogged the glass.
"The snow is melting," Julian said. "A little. The roads might be clear by tomorrow."
Sebastian got up and joined him at the window. The mountains were white and gold in the morning light. The trees were heavy with snow. It looked like a postcard.
"One more day," Sebastian said.
"One more day."
Julian leaned into him. Sebastian put his arm around Julian's shoulders.
"Before we go," Sebastian said,
