1
I didn’t know how I arrived at the cabin, but only that it was there suddenly. I was aware of the cold. It jarred me into consciousness. I could see the fog of my breath. My fingers were numb and icy. A chill rested within my bones. I held my left shoulder, which throbbed in pain. I must have been injured, but I could not remember how or when - only that I was in pain and my jacket was torn.
The cabin was inviting from what I could make out between the trees of the forest and the streaking blizzard of snow before me. Light shimmered from the windows, a warm ember glow that resurrected the scent of sugar cookies in my mind. A slate walkway between the door and a few yards of forest had been cleared, inviting me toward the cabin’s threshold. Two lanterns filled with candlelight bordered the door on either side. A wreath with ornaments of crimson and gold filigree hung from it, and a cast iron door knocker with the word “Gaude” was written above it.
I knocked once. There was no answer. I knocked two more times. No answer.
“Hello?” I called, hoping for someone nearby. “Hello? Is someone inside? I think I need help. I’ve been hurt.”
No answer. Only the wind, the branches of the the trees and drip of melting snow on my face.
