The sun has been down for hours. The thick blanket of snow on the ground reflects the streetlight making the evening a bit brighter than it should be. The snow has stopped falling. It now rests deep and shimmering on the ground. The trees stand sturdy, their branches full of ice and snow, familiar with its weight from years of surviving Minnesota blizzards.

The darkness outside makes the fluorescent lights of the office seem too bright. That is where Mia finds herself on this freezing winter night. She sits at her desk, keyboard clicking under her fingertips as she finishes and email to a disgruntled resident. Her eyes are dry and red from the lights, her legs ache from sitting all day, and her stomach rumbles with anticipation of a hot meal-but it’s been a good day. She came to this city and this job only a few months ago, and it as wrapped around her like a new sweater that fits perfectly. She loves her job, loves her co-workers, loves the snow covered trees and lakes-hell, she even loves the freezing temperatures. Everything has been easier here. It’s wonderful waking up every day in a great apartment, going to a fulfilling job (that she’s good at), and coming home to her love every evening. All in all, everything seems to be falling into place.

She finds herself glancing at the clock, eager to return home. The fresh snow will make the commute longer than usual, and she is eager to snuggle up in a fuzzy blanket with soup in her belly and his arms around her.

*Nate and Mia met 5 years ago when they shared a job together. They were both living in St. Louis at the time, young and dumb and trying to figure out life. Mia was fresh out of college, Nate was an artist who never went to college. They bonded over their desire to live life fully and make the most of every single moment. It didn’t take long for the two to fall in love and move in together. They very quickly grew tired of their familiar city and began dreaming of adventures elsewhere. So, when Nate got offered a job in the Twin Cities, they eagerly jumped at the oppertunity. It was the best decision they ever made. This life was falling into place beautifully around them, as they nestled in to their new home in the snow.*

6:02. Gleefully, Mia powers down her computer and begins packing up her things to head home. She buttons up her parka, all the way to the top, layering on mittens and a hat for good measure. The puffy parking covers her from neck to knew, and makes her walk with a bit more of a waddle than is typical. She locks up her office, and waddles over to her manager’s office to let her know she’s leaving for the day.