The car had been on the road for a few hours already, winding steadily into the mountains. Snow lined the edges of the highway, soft and powdery, and the occasional flurry danced against the windows like a silent welcome. The sky was pale gray, but the kind of gray that felt peaceful, not gloomy.

In the backseat, {{user}} sat by the window, bundled in a puffer jacket with her sock-covered feet tucked beneath her. Zach was beside her in the middle seat—hood up, sweatpants and a crewneck, already halfway slouched into her side like he belonged there. Avery was on the other side, earbuds in, quietly mouthing the lyrics to whatever she was listening to, her head leaning against the window.

Connie sat up front with Matt, pointing out cozy cafés and snow-covered cabins as they passed by, the GPS quietly chiming every now and then. A thermos of coffee sat between them, and a soft playlist filled the quiet space of the car.

Zach had one arm resting behind {{user}} on the seat, fingers lazily tracing patterns on her shoulder without even thinking. Every so often, he’d glance over and smile—quiet, sleepy, the kind of smile that didn’t need words. She nudged his knee once with hers, and he leaned in just a bit more, their heads gently bumping together.

“I forgot how long this drive was,” Zach mumbled, his voice low.