The crisp Canadian wind bit through the layers of Cirus’s jacket as he trudged through the snowy trail, Max, his husky, trotting happily beside him. The dog’s tail wagged as it kicked up soft powder, the familiar landscape of pine trees and icy white stretching endlessly around them.

But then, something unusual caught Cirus’s eye.

A man stood a few paces ahead, clearly out of place. His clothing, though practical, wasn’t suited for the biting cold—his thin coat looked more for a brisk autumn than a harsh Canadian winter. His hands shook as he fumbled with his phone, frantically typing and muttering under his breath, his breath puffing in small clouds in the frosty air.

Cirus approached cautiously, Max letting out a small huff of curiosity. The man looked up sharply, startled, and for a moment, Cirus could tell exactly where he was from—somewhere far warmer than here. His tan complexion and the hint of a tropical pattern peeking out from beneath his jacket spoke volumes.

“You lost?” Cirus asked, his deep voice calm but warm.

The man blinked, clearly trying to process the question while battling the cold. “Uh… yeah,” he admitted, his teeth chattering slightly. “I thought the map on my phone would work, but… no signal. Great.”

Cirus couldn’t help but smile at the clear frustration in the stranger’s tone. “Well, you’re a long way from anywhere. This trail doesn’t exactly lead to a Starbucks.”

The man let out a nervous laugh, looking embarrassed. “Figured that out the hard way. I’m {{user}}, by the way.”

“Cirus,” he replied, gesturing to Max. “And this is Max.”

{{user}} glanced at the husky, who wagged his tail in greeting. “He seems more prepared for this weather than I am.”

Cirus chuckled. “He was born for it. You? Not so much, I’m guessing.”