Kelty ran back towards town, and though she sobbed and though her bootless feet drummed along the frozen path, the sound of her passing was absorbed by the drifts of snow like a secret well kept.

Powdery puffs floated lazily down to reunite with their kin, and if it weren't for her failure in the woods, she might have thought them lovely, but Kelty had no consideration for the descending flakes.

Why are we in such a rush? the Voice complained. Town isn't going anywhere or doing anything. Why are you so eager to return?

"You wouldn't understand," Kelty spat, wiping away tears with the sleeve of her velvet peacoat.