A winter's night

Lifting the lid, the steam coiled up over the bubbling stew as water condensed and dripped back down into the pan. The fire crackled and the candles around the room dripped with oily wax as they smoked and flickered.

She gave the heavy broth one full stir, beat the spoon twice on the side and replaced the lid. The wind howled outside, and the snow was now falling thick against the windowpane.

Sitting back down near the fire, she tugged the blanket across her lap, attempting to conserve some of her last remaining body heat.

It was then the gentle hubbub of the house was cut sharply by a loud voice from outside.

They were back.

As she stood up, her balance was knocked, and her ears felt compressed like she was underwater.

Beyond the woods there was a sudden thud. More voices. They had been coming and going for a few days now but whenever she looked, there was no one to be seen. No fires lit, no knocks at the door – nothing.

Lowering her stew to a simmer she grabbed her coat and took to the door.

Trudging through the snow, it was hard to see with the blizzard swirling around her. Each flake seemed to glisten before it disappeared – whisked off on a white current. She pulled her coat tight across her body.

Shoulders hunched, she entered the woods. Another shriek. Her ears felt compressed again as the Earth shook and she stumbled slightly.

It was then that a light appeared through the trees. The voices seemed to get louder as she walked towards it, her heart pounding against her chest.

She came to a halt. A wall of ice was blocking her way. Cold and clear, it stretched as far as she could see. Looking up, it arched into the sky – there was no way round.

The light was now painfully bright; her eyes straining as she searched.

The voices stopped as if they were holding their breath. Then one of them spoke: “Evie, look.”

A shadow moved across the light. Eyes wide, she could make out a dark circle on the ice which then faded and disappeared.

Then nothing.

Heading back into the woods, the snow calmed, and the wind fell. The trees loomed and stared back as she closed the door.

Removing her coat, she tended to dinner.