The woods before me were cold and all the shadows were disfigured with the newly fallen snow, creating an eerie atmosphere for my travels. My breaths came out in puffs of steam against the crisp air as I made my way to the city gates. I reached the wooden doors and pushed with all my might before stumbling onto the dimly lit cobblestone road that created the town center. I slipped across the frozen ground until I reached the fountain. Once there I took my first break in hours, curling up on the cold cement side. I shivered and hugged myself tighter.

If I make it through the night, then all of this will have been worth it, I told myself. I just have to make it a few more hours until the sun breaks.

I struggled to keep my eyes open for a while before my weariness caught up to me and I gave into my body’s wishes and slept.