Chapter 16
Morning sunlight filtered through the gaps in the wooden shutters, casting dancing patterns of light and shadow across the floor. Valentina opened her eyes and felt disoriented for a moment before remembering where she was.
The mornings here were incredibly peaceful. There was nothing but the whisper of wind through pine trees and the occasional cheerful birdsong.
She threw on her jacket and opened the door to a rush of crisp, clean air. Hanging from the eaves above her doorway was a string of wind chimes.
They were made from pine cones and nutshells, each piece carefully polished and threaded together with a thin cord. When the breeze caught them, they created a gentle tinkling sound.
Chris had quietly hung them there a few days ago. She’d only noticed them when she opened her door that morning.
Valentina reached up to touch the chimes lightly, a smile tugging at her lips without her realizing it. Chris‘ cabin sat just over a small hill, not far from hers.
Every morning, she could see him through her window, bundled up in his thick coat with most of his face covered. Only his eyes were visible as he did his morning exercises in the snow.
He moved with impressive skill. The leg that had seemed injured when they first met appeared much better now, and his movements were much sharper and precise.
Sometimes he’d run through combat exercises, other times he’d practice with his knife. His skill was impressive. The hunting blade moved like it was part of him, slicing bright arcs through the dawn light.
Valentina often found herself watching from her window until he finished. He’d nod in her direction when he was done, then turn away to start his other tasks. They rarely spoke, but after living near each other for a while, Valentina realized he was genuinely kind.
He’d chop firewood and stack it neatly by her door. He’d clear away debris from her entrance and quietly leave supplies he’d picked up in town outside her cabin.
One day, she’d mentioned offhandedly that she missed eating fresh mushrooms, and the next morning, she found a basket of freshly picked pine mushrooms waiting for her.
That evening, Valentina was organizing her patrol reports when she heard the sound of running water from next door. She’d wanted to ask Chris about tomorrow’s hiking route and headed toward his cabin, only to realize he was taking a shower.
The curtains on his windows weren’t completely closed, and through the gap she caught sight
Chapter 16
of a silhouette.
She could see the man’s broad, muscular back through the steam, his shoulder and back
muscles clearly defined. Water droplets traced down his spine, gleaming honey–colored in the lamplight.
There was an ugly scar running down his right leg from thigh to knee. It was clearly an old injury.
Valentina quickly stepped back, her cheeks burning. She meant to slip away quietly but accidentally kicked the woodpile by his door.
“Who’s there?” Chris called from inside.
“It’s… It’s me!” Valentina stammered. “I’ll… I’ll come back later!”
She practically ran back to her own cabin and shut the door, her heart still pounding. Her face was bright red with embarrassment.
When they saw each other the next day, both of them felt awkward. He was bundled up as usual, but he handed her a small wooden comb he’d carved.
“For you,” he said, his voice muffled by the scarf.
The comb was beautifully crafted with evenly spaced teeth, and a tiny snowflake was carved
into the back.
“Thank you.” Valentina took the comb, her fingertips accidentally brushing his glove. They both jerked their hands back like they’d been shocked.
After a moment of silence, Chris suddenly said, “There’s going to be a meteor shower tonight.
“What?”
“I heard on the radio yesterday. It should be the biggest meteor shower in the northern hemisphere this winter.” He pointed at the sky with a hint of amusement in his eyes.
“If the weather holds, we should be able to see it from the clearing in the woods.”
11
Valentina looked at him with surprise, her eyes lighting up. “You’re interested in astronomy too? So you know about stars and things?”
“I wanted to study it in college, but you had to be in the science track to get in.” Chris nodded but didn’t elaborate further.
But that evening, he showed up at her door with a hand–drawn star chart, patiently teaching her how to identify different constellations. They sat side by side in the snow, gazing up at the brilliant night sky.
Chapter 16
When the first meteor streaked across the darkness, Valentina gasped softly as the starlight reflected in her wide eyes.
“Make a wish,” Chris said quietly.
His voice was especially gentle in the darkness, and Valentina found herself wondering what expression he was wearing beneath that scarf.
After that night, they seemed to grow closer somehow. The days passed peacefully.
Chris taught her many things–how to identify animal tracks, how to find direction during blizzards, and even some practical self–defense moves.
“Twist your wrist like this. Don’t grip so tight,” he said, standing behind her and lightly guiding her wrist to demonstrate the motion.
“When someone grabs you, use leverage to break free.”
His breath brushed against her ear, carrying the faint scent of pine. Valentina’s heartbeat suddenly quickened, and she fumbled the technique.
“Sorry, I’m being so clumsy. I…” she said while blushing.
“No, you’re learning fast.” Chris released her hand and stepped back, putting distance between them. His voice sounded oddly rough.
“That’s enough for today. I have some… some things to take care of. I should
go.”
In the quiet of the night, Valentina would sometimes think of Daniel. But those memories couldn’t hurt her anymore. They’d barely cross her mind before disappearing completely, like clouds drifting past.
Sometimes she wondered if two people who had loved each other so deeply could really forget each other entirely. Yet somehow, this new life seemed to have truly healed her.
She was surprised to realize she hadn’t had that nightmare in weeks–the one where Daniel ran toward Camille without looking back while she was trapped under the fallen beam, watching helplessly as they disappeared together.
No matter how desperately she called out in the dream, the man who had once lived and breathed for her never turned around.
Those scenes used to haunt her, keeping her awake night after night with their relentless replay. But now they had no power over her at all.
These days, her dreams were filled with pine forests and snow–covered mountains. And that silent, steady presence who had become such a constant in her life.
Chapter 17
1/2
Chapter 17
