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The door swung open, a blanket of snow coating the entryway. Joe limped in without preamble. He had lost his way when the snow began falling in sheets. The wind cut through the layers he wore and he couldn’t feel his nose or even his feet. He wasn’t sure how long he walked before he found the cabin at the top of that hill. The lights were on and all he could think about was warmth. As soon as the door swung open, he practically fell in.
The door swung back shut with the force of the wind, echoing through the modest cabin. It was a nice single bedroom with a cozy pellet stove. His leg throbbed as he laid there on the floor, trying to decide his next move. He managed to sit upright, wincing as he jarred the ankle. He tugged the walkie out of his coat, holding down the button.
“Joe to Base. Do you copy? Over.”
He paused, he strained his ears and thought he heard a voice, but it was broken and muffled. He groaned, dropping the walkie with a clatter. He ran a hand through his wet curls and sighed. He guessed he was stuck until the blizzard calmed.
A back door swung open, admitting a figure carrying a cache of firewood. They were bundled head to toe with only a flash of a reddened face to be seen. They trudged in, dropping the wood in a metal cradle. The door slammed shut much as it had done to Joe. The figure quickly shed the thick coat, revealing a man roughly his age.
He pulled the sunglasses off and bright green eyes immediately locked on him. They stared at each other for a long moment, then the man went into motion. He shed his extra layers and quickly stoked the fire.
“Wasn’t expecting any company.” The man spoke, ruefully. His voice is deep despite his youthful features. Joe chuckled, wryly. “Didn’t exactly expect the blizzard either. You don’t happen to have a way of getting a signal? My walkie’s pretty much useless.” Joe replied.
“Sure, but first let’s get you warmed up.” He offered, moving to offer a hand to help Joe up. Joe tried to hide his wince as he stood. The man immediately zeroed in on his leg. “Wait here.” He spoke, dropping Joe on the sofa before disappearing. He returned with a cold compress and helped Joe elevate his leg. Joe had shed his coat and was left in his own sweater and cargo pants.
He poured two mugs of coffee and a small glass of water. Joe gratefully took the medicine and drank his coffee. “It’ll be some time before the storm passes, but you’re welcome to stay. I’m Nicky.” Nicky offered, joining him on the sofa and reaching for his own walkie. “Nice to meet you, I’m Joe. I just need to tell the base I’m safe.” Joe replied, taking the walkie. Nicky smiled and left him to it.