Chapter 56

• I place my pack on the ground and pull out a small LED flashlight that Jon gave me. I use it briefly to find my way to the worn path and keep it pointed down towards the ground to keep it from being too easily seen. To my relief I come across the first cabin within an hour of walking. I slip inside and lock the door behind me. Using the flashlight I locate the box of matches and light the oil lantern left on the counter. I use the small flame to warm my hands as my teeth chatter. The temperature outside has dropped fiercely and I now curse the fact that I don’t have a television or phone that can tell me the weather. Just because it’s supposed to be spring doesn’t mean it won’t snow.
• I light the gas stove next, letting it burn as I fill the kettle. I place it silently on the flame as I find several packs of hot chocolate and a mug. I remove it from the flame before it whistles and make myself a drink, enjoying the simple pleasure of something sweet and warming at the same time. I look around the cabin and find a heavy coat, a hat and a pair of gloves laying on the bed. I shrug the coat on, stuffing the gloves and hat in the pockets before turning everything off. I’m tired enough to sleep but the possibility of snow pushes me to continue.
• I walk the path until I reach a fork. Using the flashlight I find the tree marked in orange and resume my walk towards it. The entire time I’m on high alert as I know at any minute I could run into a guardsman or an enforcer who have been told under no circumstances am I allow to be in the woods.