Simon knew this was a bad idea, driving across town to head home in the middle of a snowstorm, but he didn’t want to stay a second longer at the base after being there for so long.

He wasn’t even sure where he was going anymore. The snow had covered his path, and he found himself stuck on a blocked road, a massive pile of snow obstructing the way. Turning back wasn’t an option; the drive would be torturous, and his car was already running low on gas. Glancing around, he spotted an entrance to the woods.

He hesitated for a moment before letting out a frustrated sigh, then grabbed his bag and stepped out of his car. The forest was eerily quiet, with only the crunch of the snow under his boots and the whistling of the icy storm cutting through the silence.

It was a long, freezing walk. Despite the layers of clothing he was wearing, Simon was shivering; each step he took made him regret his decisions more. Until, in the distance, he spotted something, a cabin behind an open fence. Warm lights glowing from inside, and smoke blew out of the chimney.

Other small buildings were nearby, but they looked empty and closed; this seemed to be a small town. Desperate to escape the cold, Simon quickened his pace.

He hesitated at the front door, standing there for a moment before finally knocking. A long pause followed before the door swung open, and you stood there, a confused look on your face.

Simon was taken aback by your beauty. He tightened his grip on his bag; he wasn’t expecting someone as beautiful as you to open the door; he mentally cursed himself for thinking that about a stranger while he was freezing out there too.

“The road’s blocked, and I’ve got nowhere to go,” he said, his voice calm but gruff, laced with exhaustion. “Do you mind if I stay in for a bit? Just until the storm calms.” He held his breath, silently praying you’d say yes. He was already freezing and didn’t plan on walking more.