Winter's Mate: Fated on Ice

o

oom floor in the motel. Where did I want to go, and how

still relishing the earlier suicide attempt. If t

didn't want to thin

r eyes flashed beneath my eyelids, and m

knows me or my past... start again, then after

ph

o

par

my

l. That I wasn't weak. That I wasn't brok

e shaggy motel room and started packing my clothes in the

machine to withdraw everything remaining in my acco

n't want anythi

ast bus to Highland Creek. It was pure luc

as I stared out of the window, staring at the snow falling. I sighed out, fog com

pressed my forehead against the cold window and tried not to think about it. I tried

hland Creek and I sighed. I've made it. I was here to start afr

in a new town. I was only here once during the Christmas holiday

the night. The streets were empty, the shops were close

give up-maybe sleep outside this night inside the snow and cold,

relief and hurried there. I could feel my teeth chattering from the cold. I walked c

cold, and I stumbled to the café door, my hands shaking so hard that I could barely turn the handle. The bell chimed as I pushed inside.

r early twenties, her dark hair pulled back in a ponytail and her brown eyes

y God, are you okay?" the woman asked as she came to me and gu

e chair. My legs were shaking as I shivered, my teeth ch

peared into the back door, then returned wit

Maya went back to the counter and operated the machine, then returned w

house.

d the mug. Warmth seeped into my frozen fingers. I took a sip and quickly removed

ask anything, which I was grateful for. After sipping, fe

answered truthfully. I just made the decision to

my face, she gave me a small knowin

"Yeah, it's true," I responded quietly, "but I

l, but it's got heat and a bed," she explained. "Us

ust this night, two people had show

an, when you can. Small

my voice cracked as my

e help here," she said, gesturing at the café. "Nothing fancy - serving coffee, clearing tables. Some light baking if you're up for i

?" the question came ou

use you look like you need it and

've not even introduced myself to her as

d up. "Let me close up and I'll take you to the cottage."

nto the back door again. Maya returned with a takeout

CLOSED and turned off the lights, leaving only the Christmas lights gl

ke my life depended on it

de in comfortable silence as I ate the bread and soup. It was the best thing I

o

d. Trees on either side, light snow now fal

e light. It was small and cozy. A living area with a couch and fireplace. Tiny kitchen in the

leave. "Get some sleep. You look dead on your feet," she said. "You can come by the café when you're comfor

or, I stopped her. "M

you," I stumbled out, r

me to Highland Creek..." she trailed off an

Ros

ood in the middle of the cottage, listening to Maya's truck drive a