Page 2 of When It Snows

I’m actually glad for the GPS’s directions as I continue since all I can see outside of the window is a wall of snow.

“You have arrived at your destination.”

I pull into the driveway and switch off the engine. Phew. I’m glad I’m here.

Beyond the falling snow, I can just make out a cabin. I gather my phone, overnight bag, and the bag of groceries I brought from home.

I open the car door and the cold hits me. “Brrr,” I shiver.

I hurry toward the door but I slip on the ice. I wheel my arms around and end up dropping my phone in the snow, but I manage to not fall on my ass. Half a point for me.

I kneel down to search for my phone and nearly fall over again from the weight of my bags. Maybe I shouldn’t have tried to carry everything into the cabin in one go.

In my defense, it’s cold and I’m not used to it. I live in Florida and haven’t seen snow in years.

I feel something metallic and grasp it. “Yes!”

I clutch my phone to my chest. I can’t live without my phone. It sounds cliché, but in my case, it’s true. I work for myself and without a means to communicate with my clients, I don’t earn any income.

I creep the rest of the way from the driveway to the cabin. I exhale a breath in relief when I arrive at the door without any further incident. I type the code the rental agency emailed me into the keypad and the door clicks open.

I can feel the warmth of the heat when I step inside and kick off my boots. Thank goodness the rental agency switched on the heat as I requested.

I flick on the light and scan the room. It’s absolutely adorable. The floors are wide wooden planks as are the walls. But there are throw rugs to soften the look. There’s also a large fireplace against the closest wall. The sofa in front of it appears comfy enough to sleep on.

I continue to the kitchen. It’s open to the living room but the area is divided by a large island with seating for four. To the side is a small breakfast nook. I bet the view out of the window is glorious when it’s not snowing.

I set my bags down to unpack my groceries. Once the food is put away, I go in search of the bedroom and bathroom.

“Wow,” I mumble when I open the door to the bedroom to discover the largest bed I’ve ever seen. All of my sisters and brothers could fit on it. And we’re five people.

The bathroom is connected to the bedroom and features a clawfoot bathtub as well as double sinks and an oversized shower.

I could live in this cabin forever. It’s cute and the perfect size for one person.

I drop my bag on the bed and make my way back to the kitchen. I deserve a hot chocolate after my drive.

The lights flicker. I hold my breath until the flickering ends.

“No biggie, Scarlett. Lights flicker.”

I open the cupboard for a mug and the lights flicker again. But this time the lights go out and don’t come back on.

It’s pitch black inside since there’s no light coming from the outside. I can barely see one foot in front of me. I reach out my hand to touch the counter.

“Shit. Shit. Shit.”

What do I do? If the lights aren’t working, the heat won’t work either. I would build a fire to keep warm, but I can barely see. Knowing my luck, I’ll set the house on fire if I try to get the fireplace going.

Hold on. Hold on. Don’t panic, Scarlett. Maybe the power outage is local. Maybe there’s a problem with this cabin. Maybe there’s a generator. Maybe I blew a fuse.

But where’s the fuse box? Or the generator? Good questions. I dig in my pocket for my phone and dial the rental agency.

“You have reached Buccaneer Rental Agency. We’re closed for the holidays. We’re happy to answer your enquiries when we return to work on December 26th.”

“You have got to be kidding me,” I mutter as I disconnect the call. They should have an emergency number for customers in trouble. Typical island behavior. Nothing’s an emergency and everything can wait.

There’s only one thing to do. And it’s not call my family. They’d rush over here to help and I’d never get rid of them. I’m not ready to be criticized for every decision I’ve ever made in my life.

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