Lines Drawn in Snow
1956 Words
Evelyn dreamt she was falling, but not like a rollercoaster drop. More like floating down slowly, like snow going up instead of down. She felt weightless, hanging between the sky and the ground. The weirdest thing? She wasn't scared. She felt… held, like something would catch her before she hit the ground.
She woke up with that feeling still in her chest.
The house was too quiet. For a second, she panicked. Had the storm stopped while she was asleep? Did she miss her chance to leave?
Then she heard it.
Soft footsteps upstairs. A drawer opening. Noah was talking softly to one of the kids.
She sighed.
Still snowed in.
Light came through the curtains, brighter than yesterday, but still dim because of the clouds. Evelyn lay there a bit too long, staring at the ceiling, thinking about what Noah said the night before.
This is temporary.
She knew why he said it. She even respected it. But it still stung a little, a disappointment she didn’t let herself feel.
She got dressed slowly and went to the hallway. The smell of pancakes was coming, real ones with butter. Her stomach made noise.
Downstairs, it was already a mess.
Sophie was dancing in the living room with socks, singing a song about snowflakes that she made up. Liam was at the table with his laptop, doing a school thing that wasn’t going well.
No, Mrs. Carter, we still don’t have power, he said like he was explaining it for the tenth time. Yes, again.
Noah was at the stove, flipping pancakes like a pro.
He looked up when Evelyn came in, and his face was careful. Morning.
Morning, she said back.
Something was different between them now.
Not a big deal. Not enough for the kids to see. But the easiness from yesterday had changed into something more planned. Like they were putting up walls again.
Sophie saw Evelyn right away. You’re awake! Did you hear the wind last night? It was like a dragon!
I did, Evelyn said, smiling. A really loud dragon.
Noah put a plate on the counter. Eat them before they get cold.
She didn’t know if she should. Are you sure?
He looked right at her. Yes.
She grabbed the plate, said thanks quietly, and sat at the table across from Liam. The pancakes were perfect, fluffy and warm, and they made her chest hurt in a good way.
Comfort was dangerous.
So, she said, trying to sound casual, any news about the roads?
Noah shook his head. Still nothing. We’re stuck for at least another day.
Liam looked up. You sound sad about it.
Evelyn laughed a little. I just don’t like not knowing what’s next.
Noah looked at her quickly, something like he knew what she meant in his eyes.
Nobody does, he said.
After breakfast, Noah said he had to check the generator. I’ll be back soon," he told the kids. Stay inside.
I can help! Sophie said.
No, he said. Inside.
She looked sad, but she did what he said.
As he put on his coat, Noah stopped and looked at Evelyn. If you need anything…
I’ll be fine, she said fast. I can help with the kids.
He waited.
Okay, he said, and left.
The door closed hard behind him.
Evelyn didn't know how much of the room changed when he was gone.
They played board games and read all morning. Liam started to like her more, showing her the right way to play the games and laughing when she lost. Sophie wanted to show her all the drawings she made.
At some point, Evelyn stopped looking at her phone.
The snow outside was shining when the sun came out for a bit. Everything looked so pretty and far away. It felt like they were inside a snow globe, safe from whatever was outside.
Noah came back around noon, his face red from the cold.
The generator’s okay, he said, taking off his coat. He looked at Evelyn for a second, seeing her on the floor with Sophie and markers everywhere.
He looked softer for a second.
Then he remembered himself.
Lunch, he said. Anyone hungry?
They ate grilled cheese and soup, and it was easy to talk, but they were careful. Evelyn felt like she had to be careful to not do something that would make Noah close himself off.
After lunch, Liam went to his room to read. Sophie curled up on the couch and was tired.
Evelyn picked up the markers. She’s going to fall asleep, right?
Noah nodded. Soon.
Like she knew what they were saying, Sophie started breathing slowly with her head on a pillow.
Noah talked quietly. Thanks... for today.
Evelyn looked up. You don’t have to thank me.
I do, he said. You didn’t need to help.
She stopped. Then she said, They’re easy to like.
He looked angry, but it was like he was scared.
That’s what I’m afraid of, he said quietly.
Evelyn stood up, her heart beating hard. Noah…
I meant what I said last night, he said, talking softly. I can’t let this become something it’s not.
And what is it? She asked.
He didn’t answer fast. He looked at Sophie, who was sleeping.
Just for now, he said again. For everyone.
It hurt more than she thought it would.
She nodded. I get it.
But as she walked away, she was thinking about how hard it would be to leave when it was time.
That afternoon, the snow started coming down harder.
It got dark early, and the world was just the warm house. Noah was shoveling the porch while Evelyn watched from the window. She felt sad.
She didn’t plan for this.
For feeling warm, for being closed, for how these people were making her feel like she belonged there.
When Noah came back in, getting the snow off his boots, he saw her watching him.
They looked at each other.
They didn’t say anything, but they felt… wanting, sadness, fear, and hope.
The lights flickered.
Then they went out.
Sophie moved and made noise in her sleep.
Noah started walking around to light the lights. Same thing as last night.
Evelyn nodded. Her heart was beating fast, not because it was dark, but because she thought something was going to happen.
Later, after the kids were asleep again, Evelyn was by the window with her arms around herself.
Noah came next to her, but he didn't touch her.
It’s pretty, she said softly.
It is, he said.
They didn’t move.
Tomorrow, he said quietly, the roads might open.
She felt tight. Might.
He looked at her. If they do… then what?
They were both nervous and still about what to do next...
Evelyn looked at him, her heart racing.
I don’t know, she said.
Outside, the wind was loud, and snow was hitting the window like it wanted them to answer.
Evelyn went back to looking at the glass, holding herself tight. I guess we’ll figure it out when we have to.
Noah watched her in the light, and it was like he knew what she was feeling.
Yeah, he said quietly. That’s what I do.
They were there for a while, nervous about what to do next. Evelyn knew they were too close, and she could feel him.
Too close.
She was the first person to move away.
I should… see if Sophie’s okay, she said, even though she knew she was sleeping well.
Noah nodded, and he was happy for a second before he stopped it. I’ll make sure the doors are locked.
They went somewhere, the second gone by.
Later, Evelyn was in the guest room, listening to the house. The storm was still going, but inside it was like people were scared to mess up the calm.
She was thinking about what happened and remembering everything.
How Noah had looked softer when he was with his kids. How he had distanced himself after.
She turned on her side, looking at the light under the door.
She’d come here to not feel like she had to do things.
But instead, she felt like she wanted, and it made her feel good.
That was the problem.
Morning was gray and quiet.
Evelyn woke up early, and she couldn’t relax. She got dressed and went downstairs. She was surprised to see Noah awake and sitting at the table with coffee, looking outside.
He looked sad.
Morning, she said quietly.
He turned and looked scared. Then he stopped. Morning.
She got coffee, and it made her feel still. Did you sleep?
A little, he said. You?
Enough.
They were there; with all the things they weren’t saying.
The snow’s stopping, he said. If it stays like this, the roads might open tomorrow afternoon.
She felt nervous. That’s good.
Is it? He asked before he did something wrong.
They both stopped.
Noah grabbed his hair, mad. I didn’t mean…
It’s okay, Evelyn said quickly. I know what you meant.
He looked at her, and he was sad.
This, he said, gesturing, It’s not fair to you. Or the kids.
I never asked for anything, she said.
I know, he said. That’s the thing I’m scared of.
Before she could say something, Sophie came downstairs. She looked sleepily rubbing her eyes.
Is it Christmas? She asked.
Noah smiled, even though he didn’t want to. Not yet.
Soon, Sophie said, going to a chair. She looked at them, and she felt the mood, even if she didn’t know what it was. Are you mad?
Evelyn was sad. No.
No, Noah said. Just talking.
Sophie nodded and talked about making cookies later.
The moment was gone.
The day was slow.
They shoveled snow, but they were careful not to touch. They made food, talked nicely, and smiled.
Evelyn knew she shouldn’t want to remember everything that was happening—how Noah looked when he was thinking, how soft he was with his kids, the way he was strong and sad.
In the afternoon, when the kids were watching a movie, Noah went to the porch to see the snow. Evelyn came after.
The air was cold.
It’s pretty, she said.
It always is when the worst parts are over, he said.
They leaned, looking at everything white.
Noah, Evelyn said, I know you're trying to help your kids. But not saying something doesn’t make it unhappen.
He breathed hard. I know.
I’m not asking for things, she said. I just… don’t know to feel like I’m doing something bad.
He turned to her, and you could tell he didn't know what to do.
You’re not, he said. You’re making it harder.
For you?
For me, he said. I forgot how it felt to want more than to live.
She didn’t know what to say.
Liam opened the door. Dad? The radio works.
Noah made himself better. I’m coming.
He stopped. We'll talk.
She nodded, even though she didn’t know what that meant.
That evening, the radio crackled with updates.
Road crews were working through the night. Conditions were improving. If everything stayed on track, access roads would reopen by midday tomorrow.
Sophie cheered. Liam looked conflicted.
Evelyn felt alone.
After the kids were in bed, she went to the couch and looked at the fire. Noah came later, and they didn’t sit next to each other.
So, he said. Tomorrow.
She nodded. Tomorrow.
It was quiet.
I don’t feel bad about this, she said.
He looked up.
Being here, she said. Even if it ends.
He was sad. Me either.
The fire cracked.
Outside, the storm was going away.
Inside, Evelyn knew the storm was coming.
And when the roads opened, they’d have no choice.
- Writer
