Walking up Blueberry Hill, the snow crunches under my boots. Each step feels heavier than the last, though the view around me makes it hard not to pause. The mountains rise majestically, their peaks dusted with snow, and the village below glimmers faintly. My heart flutters—staying in the same house with people other than my family and Bae feels like stepping into unknown territory. And... because he'll be there too.
Did he really mean all those words, or was it just another fleeting feeling, the kind boys call love?
I try not to think about it. There's no use dwelling. For now, I focus on the crunch of the snow beneath my boots, the cold wind brushing my face, and the chalet ahead.
I check the picture Bae sent to make sure it matches the view before me—and it does. Bae waves enthusiastically, and I wave back, smiling despite myself. At first, I think she's just being playful, but then she starts shouting something I can't hear over the wind. I turn, and the breathtaking mountains, the village below, and him walking toward me make my stomach flip.
The snow glistens under the pale sunlight, the peaks stretching endlessly, and the quiet beauty of it all makes the air feel alive. Everything looks so perfect, and he looks just as effortless—smiling, moving, his presence somehow filling the space around him.
He walks up, waving at Bae, who continues shouting behind me. I can't hear her words—not because of the wind, but because of him. My heart hammers, and I realize I can't take my eyes off him. There's something almost magical about him—the way he shifts his weight when he walks, the curl of his smile, the softness in his eyes when they land on me. My thoughts jumble, both nervous and giddy, wondering if he feels the same flutter that's overtaken me.
"Why the nervous smile, Adah?" he asks softly, his voice teasing but gentle.
"What smile?" I murmur, turning my face away. He looks at me.
"So, did you drag your suitcase all the way up? Did you really have to go that far?" His teasing smile softens into something warmer.
"Yes," I admit. "I wanted a longer walk while listening to music. So dragging my suitcase was part of that decision."
His hands reach for mine, and I tense, ready to pull away.
"I'm sorry. I didn't mean to make it sound like a struggle. Please, at least let me help. I know I'm not in your good graces right now."
I pause, biting my lip. "Yes, please," I whisper, pretending to clear my throat. He lifts his head proudly.
"Okay... good," he says, stopping for a moment.
"Good what, Joel?" I ask, letting a small smile slip onto my face.
"Good... everything's good," he replies, laughing softly.
"Everything's good?" I tease, giving his arm a playful nudge.
"You'll never know," he says slyly, slipping his mittens onto my hands. "These will keep you warm—you gave them to me, after all."
We head toward the chalet, and Bae pounces on me before I can ring the doorbell. We collapse into laughter, squirming and jumping like maniacs.
Once inside, the warmth hits me instantly, the scent of polished wood and a hint of smoke filling the air. Joel gently steps closer.
"Adah... are you okay?" he asks softly, his voice careful.
"I'm fine," I murmur, brushing snowflakes from my coat.
"Let me make sure," he says quietly, placing his hand gently on my forehead. I tense slightly, but his touch is gentle, reassuring, not intrusive. "Your temperature is normal. Really, you're fine," he adds, eyes soft, watching me closely.
I nod, feeling my nerves ease just a little.
"Before we explore, why don't you freshen up? You've had a long walk," he suggests, stepping back to give me space.
I follow him into the room. It's spacious, the ceiling high enough that it feels airy, with a warm, golden glow filling the space. The wooden floor gleams, and the room feels private yet cozy, faintly reminding me of home. The bed sits in the corner, simple but inviting, and there's room to stretch and settle without feeling cramped. Joel rests in the armchair nearby, giving me privacy while staying within sight.
"I'll be right here if you need anything," he murmurs.
I step into the bathroom, letting the warm water wash away the chill. Standing under the stream, I close my eyes and let the warmth carry away the tension and swirling thoughts. For a moment, it's just me and the quiet, and I whisper a soft prayer:
God, thank You for this place and for this moment. Help me feel at peace, and guide my heart. Amen.
Stepping out, I feel calmer, lighter. The room feels welcoming, safe, and just big enough to breathe in, to let myself relax before the day begins.
From downstairs, Bae's voice rings out. "Addy, hurry! Breakfast won't wait!"
David's voice cuts in almost immediately, rambling over hers. "Wait, where's her suitcase? Did she already unpack? Joel, did you even—ugh, this is taking forever! I can't believe long time they're spending upstairs! And what about the eggs—should we start without them?"
Bae groans and elbows him. "David, seriously! Stop bickering! She's just coming down!"
"I'm not bickering," he insists, throwing up his hands. "I'm just trying to make sure things get done properly! Someone has to keep order here, right? You can't expect Joel to hurry you know he—"
"David!" Bae interrupts sharply, though I can hear the laughter in her voice. "Enough, we'll all eat together. Now hush!"
Joel shakes his head with an indulgent smile, as if he's used to it. I can't help but giggle at the chaos downstairs. Their playful bickering makes me feel almost at home, and for a moment, I relax completely, letting the warmth from the shower and the cozy room settle into me.
"Whenever you're ready, we can head down for breakfast," Joel says, his voice soft and patient.
I nod, letting myself savor this gentle, quiet moment before the lively chatter of the others pulls me back into the day.
Later, Joel shows me around the chalet. We briefly do a tour in my room—a small library corner, a bed with a light green canopy, and enough open space to stretch and move comfortably. The space feels alive with warmth and thoughtfulness, cozy enough to call home, yet open enough to breathe.
I carry warmth
within my heart.
Love is pure—
is it true?
Only God knows
Fear, I know
Love, not so much.
I want to know.
Strange to care.