Huck & Rachel

 

Huck had never seen anything like it. Winter was one hard mother. It was challenging to get used to. Of course, he panicked on his way to work. Why did he have to drive so far on the interstate? No one was at the hotel.

"But you made it," Rachel said when he called to hear her voice once he got there.

"I know," he wanted her to say something else. Although, that was a mystery to him. Something like, "You can't be there I need you at home." After all, she had a snow day. He did not.

There was work to do, and he felt underdressed and unsure how to do anything. It was bound to happen. He just didn't think it would. He was out in the miserable cold all day.

Thankfully, he was well-equipped with proper attire, even his shoes were perfect for the job. Layers and layers to keep him from the cold. And onward it seemed from one job to another of clearing snow.

He couldn't even think of New Year's and what came before. He was in the now and it just about did him in. 

By the time he reached home, it was dark. Rachel told him after shedding his parka, scarf, and face mask that he looked like the elf on the shelf in his snow suit suspenders.

He was too tired to smile as he plopped down on the entryway bench and she helped get his boots off.

"I made chili," she told him.

"You did?" He didn't really think she cooked anymore.

"Oh, I got to it first. Gretta is still at the bakery," Rachel said her brother was working on some powerlines that were down somewhere.

"It wouldn't happen here, would it?" Huck was in a state of shock. What would they do?

"Anything is possible. You just have to bundle up," Rachel was straight-lipped with her hands, slipped in the back pockets of her jeans. She looked so cozy in her old winter sweater.

Huck liked this side of Rachel. Of course, he knew it was always there. She rarely ever let anything rattle her. Yes, she was a true Midwesterner. She already had the driveway cleared of snow so he wouldn't have to.

Huck wondered if he was suited for this part of the world. He pressed his chapped lips tight.  She handed over a hot mug of herbal tea. Yes, he was certain he could thaw into the night. As long as he was with Rachel, he thought he'd be ready for tomorrow.