Elara pulled on her thin sundress. She stepped out into the biting December wind.
A gust knocked her hat off. She picked up the muddy hat and coughed.
Her hands shook too much. Hot water spilled onto the counter.
She collapsed onto the sofa. The fire crackled loudly.
She peeked out from under the blanket. Her toes wiggled in the warm air.
She held a mug of warm cocoa. The steam curled in the cool air.
She smiled at the dancing flames. The room felt safe.
Elara snuggled deeper into the soft fabric. The hum of the fire kept her safe.