We all huddled closer to the fire in a desperate attempt to keep warm. The Weather Channel issued a warning about this August snow storm, but I never imagined it would last this long. Tyla rubbed her shoulders with gloved hands, and her little brother, Derek, was rubbing his hands together. My fiance, Jason, sat with his legs and arms around me. His 6 foot frame dwarfed my 5 foot frame, and he planted a kiss on top of my head. Derek and Jason spent a few days boarding up the windows and chopping wood to keep us warm, while Tyla and I went to the store and got food and supplies. But that was a week ago. Now we were running low on firewood and rationing the food had made everyone grumpy.

"We are going to need more food soon." Everyone turned to look at Tyla. I could see the fear in her eyes.

"She's right."

"Whoa, did my brother just agree with me?"

Derek smirked. "It must be the end of times."

We all chuckled, but there was a sense of wonder and dread throughout the room. What if this was a sign the world was over as we know it?

The next day, I woke up to the now familiar sound of wind howling against the house. The sun, and its reflection off of the fresh white snow, pushed its way between the boards on the windows. Tyla was still snoring, but it seemed Derek and Jason had gotten up. I manuvered out of the comforter, careful not to wake Tyla. I headed towards the kitchen, where I heard hushed whispers of conversation. Before I rounded the corner, I heard Jason's voice.

"It's the only way, you know that."

"You have no idea what's out there or how you can survive."

"I have the best survival skills of anyone here. If anyone could make it back, it would be me."

"You think because you go out camping a few times a year that qualifies you to survive out there?"

"I have two years of Fire and Rescue training, and I have been training as a Cub Scout leader so I've read a lot of books-"

"Jason, the world has never seen this kind of thing, and you think you can read about it in some book-"

"Derek, I have to. I have to save her, and I know I'm the best option."

I felt a swell of anger. How could he leave me behind? We hadn't made the vow yet, but only death was supposed to separate us!

I stepped out from behind the wall into view. Jason looked at me and exchanged a look with Derek, wondering how long I was listening to them. Before I could react, I noticed the remaining food that the boys had gathered on the table. There were only 6 water bottles, a few cans of soup and veggies, and some assorted nuts.

We wouldn't survive another week. Death would separate us before we ever said I do.

I locked eyes with Jason, and twirled my engagement ring around my finger. Tears welled up in my eyes as I realized what was going to happen, what HAD to happen.

Without a word, Derek left the kitchen to go back to the fire.

Jason scooped me up in his arms as my first tear fell. We sat on the kitchen floor, and I kissed him and he held me tight.

After a time, I straightened up and wiped my face with the back of my sleeve. I had to be strong so he could be strong.

We rejoined the others by the fire. Derek had started packing up a backpack for Jason to take with him. He found some rope, a flashlight, and an extra lighter in the basement. Jason dressed in layers, donning his snow suit and boots last. He gestured to the fire.

"Whatever you do, make sure the fire doesn't go out. Burn Derek's Playboy magazines if you have to."

"Hey! Those are gonna be worth twice as much when this is all over!"

We all chuckled.

Jason stood in front of the door and took a deep breath. I placed one hand on the doorknob, and one on his shoulder. He looked at me, and I was determined to burn the color of his eyes into my memory. I knew couldn't say goodbye so I said the only other thing I could think to say.

"Be careful out there."