The snow picks up throughout the morning. The roads are still quiet, but we pass the occasional vehicle and the occasional vehicle passes us. We hit some patches where it is a complete whiteout and Nicole pumps the brakes, slowing down until we pass the cloud then she gets up to speed again. I am so tired when my eyes are open but the moment I shut them I am wide awake. The coffee doesn't make a dent in my exhaustion. I crave a hotel room, a warm bed, a hot shower, a feeling of temporary safety. There's too much exposure out here. I long for the concrete jungle and a sense of anonymity.
By the afternoon we are only a couple of hours away from the city. I offer to take over the wheel but Nicole says driving is the only thing keeping her from having a complete meltdown. Cue some more silen
