16. Erik

Chapter 16

Erik

A s we drive down the freshly plowed out driveway, the snow crunches under our tires, the sun shining brightly in the clear sky. I glance at Lissy, her face alight with a newfound joy.

“I never expected any of this,” I say, the cold air making my words visible.

She laughs, a sound that echoes in the stillness around us.

Halfway down the path, I stop. A buck, with a huge rack, walks slowly across the snow. It stands quiet and serene, a witness to our unexpected love story.

“I’m going to miss this place,” Lissy says, her voice tinged with nostalgia. “But I’m excited for what’s ahead,” she adds, her eyes meeting mine.

We reach the end of the path, where the snow-covered road meets civilization. Our journey at the cabin is over, but a new chapter is just beginning. I lean over and share a kiss with Lissy, taking her hand and intertwining my fingers with it.

Hand in hand, we drive forward, embracing the world and our future together. The silence between us is comfortable, reflective. I think about all the moments we shared in the cabin, how each interaction, each shared smile and glance, wove into the fabric of something beautiful and unexpected.

“You know, before this, I never realized how much I needed someone who understands me,” I confess, watching a flock of birds take flight against the clear blue sky. Lissy squeezes my hand, her smile warm and reassuring.

“I feel the same, Erik. It’s like we found a missing piece in each other,” she replies, her words resonating with my own thoughts.

The scenery around us is breathtaking, the snow sparkling like diamonds in the sunlight. It's a perfect backdrop for new beginnings.

“Whatever happens, we’ll make it work,” I say, determination in my voice. Lissy nods, her gaze full of the same determination.

“This is just the beginning, isn’t it?” I ask, already knowing the answer. She nods, her eyes shining with tears of joy.

“Yes, the beginning of something amazing.”