While Dmitry was coming to his senses, you and Anna were examining the room where the entire team hoped at least to survive. Darkness enveloped the street. The snow fell thicker and thicker, as if the world itself had decided to hide something, to forget something, leaving only the feeling of a closed loop.

You and Anna accidentally stepped outside through the main entrance, not fully understanding the building's layout. You walked up to Anna, who was standing and gazing into the dense darkness. Taking her hand, already reddened from the cold, you tried to warm her palm.

“Anna,” you said, your voice almost trembling from the piercing cold. The icy winter air was so sharp that every breath felt like a needle stabbing your lungs. You covered your face with your hands to cough from the sudden assault of cold air.

“Shall we go back inside? It's freezing tonight. The guys have lit a fire; let's warm up and rest,” Anna suggested.

You remained silent, not answering her question, your gaze fixed on the snow that was growing heavier. Your eyes lingered on the tiny snowflakes dancing in the air. You didn’t notice when Anna let go of your hand and took a few steps forward, finally leaving the building.

You snapped out of it when something cracked above your head—a clump of snow thrown by Anna. It scattered over you, and without hesitation, you smiled, gathering a small snowball in your hands. A moment later, you tossed it at Anna, unable to shake off the feeling of relief and joy that, for a brief moment, allowed you to forget yourself in the snowy void.