The snow was thickening, a gust of wind grazing the roads and dragging fine flurries of snow into a rhythmic dance. A frost graced every blade of grass and the ground underfoot as a chill in the filled the air

But for {{user}}, it was decided that they would risk the weather; after all, they had already promised their dad they would drive carefully. Eager to see their dad again for the holidays after spending their first few months living away at uni, they made the choice to brave the weather in order to be home for Christmas.

As they navigated the winding roads, the world outside blurred into a winter wonderland, the headlights cutting through the heavy snow. But with each passing mile, the conditions worsened.

Suddenly, the car lost traction. Time slowed as the vehicle spun out of control, and with a sickening crunch, it collided with a snowbank. Trapped under the crushing metal, the cold air bled into their bones. A numbness filled their body, their head spinning as they struggled to comprehend the situation. Desperate to reach their phone, they fumbled in the darkness, the weight of the car pressing down on them.

All they had wanted was to be home for Christmas, to feel the warmth of family after months of loneliness at university. Now, trapped in this wreck, a bitter realization washed over them: the dreams of laughter and love had turned into a nightmare. They were still so young, yet here they were, fighting for a chance to get home

Their movements felt slower than molasses; even the simplest action required immense effort. Finally, they managed to grasp the phone, their fingers trembling as they dialed the familiar number. The ringing pierced the silence, each tone a haunting reminder of warmth and safety now so far away, a comfort they couldn’t have as they lay in the cold road.

“{{user}}? Kid? You there, kid? I can’t hear you—what’s going on, poppet? {{user}}?” Price’s voice crackled through the line, filled with concern and urgency.