The tiny boat rocked back and forth, its planks creaking and lines groaning as the water lapped against its sides. Stepping uneasily from the small, single person craft, I set a foot onto the sun bleached and splintering wooden dock. The sky was overcast, the sun blotted out by a canopy of gray and white clouds. My boots drummed on the dock with each step as I walked toward the shore. Behind me was a vast lake of calm water, which fluttered almost silently against the shore. Right up to the water's edge, a heavy drift of snow covered the earth. Bits of grass poked through the permafrost, almost in defiance of the harsh atmosphere, as if protesting the very world they thrived in.
The snow crunched underfoot as I walked toward the trees. A squirrel eyed me curiously; an owl's gaze darted toward me. I knew no trail, but pulled my coat tighter, and walked into the forest. The snow persisted, even under the trees, and I felt my feet sink time and again. I was able to comfort myself, because I knew that each laborious step was one step closer to warmth.
Tree sap and fresh air filled my nostrils, but were soon punctuated by a darker smell. Sulfur and burnt oak: a fire. I was close.
My breath fogged as I came to the small wooden cabin, light illuminating the curtains, casting shadows of flowers and plants. The pillar of smoke, my beckoning, spiraled from the chimney.
With a gloved fist, I rapped on the door. In a moment, it swung open.
Warm air flowed over me, a warm glowing light filled me, and there she was, the subject of my journey. He long, curled red hair hung over her shoulders; her deep hazel eyes stared into mine; her curved body clad in a flowing fur coat.
"I've been waiting for you," she said, flashing a wide smile, revealing a perfect row of ivory white teeth.
I felt my heart jump, my lips curve into a wide, unbreakable smile. A warm glowing feeling in my chest. "I know," I blurted out.
For a moment we stood, staring into each other's gaze, transfixed.
Without a word, she stepped back, and I walked in.
The door closed behind me, and I slid the lock shut. A few lanterns were scatted about, hanging from the rafters, casting a flickering light over the single room. Fire burned a few logs in the brick fireplace, filling the room with warmth.
"I can't believe I've made it."
"I always knew you would," she said confidently, resting her hands on my shoulders.