Mrs. Peterson had hot cocoa ready for them when they reached her house at the end of the third block, and Memory gulped it down, letting it burn her tongue like her latte and warm her insides. Her cheeks were frozen, but the heat from the drink did little to thaw them. Still, it was much appreciated by everyone, particularly Lorelei, who sang a solo rendition of “Jingle Bells” for the Peterson family to show her thanks.
Once all of the cups were collected, the party crossed the road to head back to the square. “Halfway there,” Dak said, offering his hand to help Memory over the ditch to the street.
She took his hand, careful of her footing as she stepped down. A layer of ice was developing on the slick surfaces, and visions of herself wiping out lingered. “Thanks.”
He smiled, and once s
