The morning started like any other, but the first flakes of snow quickly turned into a full-blown storm. You hadn’t expected school to be canceled, let alone the city to grind to a halt. Roads were impassable, and every text from friends ended with “stay safe.”

You sighed, staring out the frosted window of your apartment. The snow had a way of making the world feel quiet, almost magical… and lonely.

Then there was a knock at the door.

Opening it, you were surprised to find Elizabeth Lail, bundled in a scarf and a big coat, cheeks flushed pink from the cold. “Hey… mind if I hang out here? Roads are terrible, and I couldn’t get home.”

You grinned, stepping aside. “Of course! Come in before you freeze completely.”

Minutes turned into hours. You made hot chocolate together, watched old movies, and laughed until your sides hurt. Outside, the snow piled higher, and the world shrank down to just the two of you.

At some point, you noticed her sitting closer than usual, her hand brushing yours as you reached for the same mug. There was a pause—a small, quiet tension that made your heart skip.

“Looks like we’re stuck together,” she said softly, her voice barely above a whisper. “And I don’t mind at all.”

You didn’t either. The storm outside created a cocoon of warmth inside, and before either of you realized it, she leaned in, forehead resting against yours. The intimacy wasn’t rushed, just… natural, like the snow had drawn you both closer.

The world outside could wait.