Free After the Ending by Lindsey Fairleigh, Lindsey Pogue Page B

stormy outside to see much other than the
bare, frozen trees and the snow blanketing the ground. But inside the cabin is
cozy. I can tell Dave’s mom decorated the place. There’s an apple theme that
seems to run throughout the house. It’s making me hungry thinking about it.
     
    Hopefully we’ll be able to rest and recuperate before
heading out again. I’m assuming we’ll leave tomorrow, but we haven’t really
talked about it yet. I’m not looking forward to the drive to Sarah’s house. I
think the close quarters worsen those feelings I’ve been experiencing. I felt
them again today but with Sarah this time. It’s seriously so weird. I have no
idea what’s going on. I’m wondering if I should say something to Sarah and Dave
or if I should keep it to myself. I wouldn’t even know where to start. What a
mess.
     
    With the exception of the former occupants, it sounds like
you’re staying in a fancy vacation home...I’m a little jealous. It’s snowing
here...everywhere...still. It’s always snowing, and you know I hate being cold.
It doesn’t help my mood much. I could really use some Dani time right about
now…maybe a few mixed drinks on the beach too :) Why is time suddenly going by
so slowly? It’s taking spring forever to get here. I’ll let you know when we
take off or when we even have a plan. Be safe!
     
    Hasta la vista,
    Zoe
     
     
    Standing in the cabin’s cramped bathroom, I looked in the
mirror as I brushed my teeth and studied the heavily shadowed eyes that stared
back at me. I look like…shit.
    “Zoe!” Sarah screamed from the living room, and fear
swept over me.
    Spitting the contents of my mouth into the sink, I threw
open the bathroom door. My heart pounded against my chest. “What is it!?” I
rushed to her in alarm.
    “Dave’s out th —” but before
Sarah could finish, I heard Dave’s cries for help.
    I grabbed the shotgun leaning against the wall and flung
the front door open. I could barely hear Dave shouting through the angry howl
of the wind. Running out into the frigid night, I headed in his direction.
    “Lock the door!” I yelled back to Sarah. My voice was
muffled by the blizzard. The cold hit me like razor blades, cutting through my
clothes and into my skin with every move. “Dave! Where are you?” I squinted to
see through the dense snowfall.
    “Sammy!” Dave’s voice broke through the violent storm.
    My muscles fatigued and my lungs burned as I struggled
through the powdery snow, trying not to let it slow me down. I heard Dave’s
voice right before stumbling upon him. I was shocked to see the form of a large
animal pacing nearby. Unsure what to do, I shot the gun into the darkness. Its
recoil knocked me back, and I lost my balance.
    Squinting, I refocused my eyes just in time to see the
creature running away and Dave crawling toward Sammy’s unmoving body.
    “Dave!” I ran to his side as he tried to move. He was
wounded; blood darkened the snow-covered ground beneath his body, and his legs
dragged limply behind him.
    “Sammy!” Dave was crying and struggling to get to his
dog. Helping him up was impossible. He hit my hands away in hysteria, fighting
against my efforts.
    “Dave, you have to get inside,” I shouted. My body was
achy and numb.
    “Sammy!” he cried as he continued to fight against me.
    I snapped. I slapped him across the face, desperate for
him to focus, and yelled with all the energy and lung power my freezing body
could afford. “Dammit, Dave! I’ve got to get you inside. I’ll come back for
Sammy!”
    He looked at me in horror.
    “I need you to help me. Try to stand up!” I could barely feel
my legs as I pulled his body toward mine.
    He stared back with wide eyes. I could feel his anguish
coursing through me.
    “I’ll come back for him, I promise.”
     
     
    Date: December 17, 4:00 AM
    From: Zoe Cartwright
    To: Danielle O’Connor
    Subject: (No Subject)
     
    D,
     
    There’s so much to tell you, but I don’t have much