Elise’s POV

The last part of the road up to the cabin was worse than I expected. Snow fell heavy and wet, and my tires kept slipping on the steep climb. By the time the dark outline of the cabin showed through the trees, my hands ached from gripping the wheel and my shoulders felt tight.

I turned off the engine and sat for a moment in the quiet. Six hours of driving had worn me out. I needed the stillness.

The cabin looked the same as it always had. Steep roof, wide porch, one outdoor light glowing against the storm. This was mother’s place—the one we spent most of...