Free Over the River and Through the Woods by Lacey Weatherford Page A

appearance of a winter wonderland that almost seemed other-worldly. Despite the beauty, I was thrilled to see the waiting police vehicles at the end of the road, signaling we were one step closer to our families.
    Down the road, we could see Micah’s car being pulled from the snowdrift by a tow truck. In the bright light of day, it looked even more damaged than before.
    “How’d you find it?” Micah asked Officer Lance, as we climbed off the snowmobiles.
    “We were searching for you and noticed the damage to the guardrails when we passed by. That caused us to turn around and take a better look or we would’ve missed it. It was hard to see the white car with the snow; and the embankment is just steep enough that it’s difficult to see over. Who knows how long the two of you could’ve been stuck out here?”
    “I guess this is just another Christmas miracle,” I said, slipping my arms around Micah before staring back at the patrolman. “Thank you for your help; and I’m so sorry we took you away from your families on Christmas.”
    “No worries, Miss. We’re on the clock today anyway. We’re just happy you two kids are okay. Now let’s get you home to your loved ones.”
    Micah and I held hands in the back of the Sheriff’s vehicle all the way into town, until we arrived outside the hospital emergency room and were ushered inside. A team of people were waiting for us, flurrying about to get all our information and to check us over—even though we insisted we were fine. It was clearly a slow day in the Emergency Room and we were the big news, apparently.
    Micah’s gash was cleaned and he received four stitches, two underneath that were dissolvable and two more on top. It was also covered in Steri-Strips to help secure it and reduce the risk of scaring. Once he was finished, we were led to the waiting area.
    I heard my mom’s shriek before I saw her barreling toward me, snatching me in a bear hug right before Micah’s mom did the same to him. Suddenly we were crowded in by what seemed like dozens of people with relieved faces, all trying to press in and touch us, welcoming us home.
    “It’s okay, Mom,” I said, attempting to comfort her weeping. “I’m all right. Everything is good.”
    “You have no idea what you’ve put my heart through young lady!” she said, kissing my cheek and hugging me tighter before passing me off to my dad. “I swear you aged us both ten years last night. Didn’t she, Bill?” she remarked, bringing him into the conversation.
    “Pretty much. All I can say is this is the best Christmas present I’ve ever received.” He released me and moved to hug Micah. “Thank you, son, for taking care of our baby and keeping her safe.”
    “It was my pleasure,” Micah replied, patting my dad on the back.
    Slowly people began to filter from the building, heading toward their cars in the parking lot.
    “I’ll see you later?” Micah asked, as we were pulled our separate ways.
    I nodded. “Sure. Get some rest, though. That’s an order.”
    Hurrying back to me, he hugged me again, quickly. “Merry Christmas, Lissy.” I watched him turn to leave and it felt like my heart went with him.
    ***
    I was pretty sure my mom was trying to feed me all the food left on the planet. Even though I kept trying to reassure her that I was okay and hadn’t been starving, she was determined. She wrapped me in a blanket, sat me by the fire, and made everyone else wait on me. My status was definitely that of an invalid in her eyes. Still, we had a nice evening together, opening all the presents that didn’t get opened while they waited for news on us.
    I felt bad, because my gifts for everyone were locked in the back of Micah’s trunk, probably in a junkyard somewhere, awaiting retrieval—except for the food gifts, like my dad’s, which we’d eaten. Dad kept saying not to worry, that having me home safe was the only gift they wanted.
    Idly, I listened to the laughter and the stories of my loved