Chapter Thirty-Nine:

“Was there another reason? I thought you came all this way for me.” Vasha wrapped herself in a sheet and opened the window right above her rustic oak headboard. I’d since thrown on my girlfriend’s tiger sweater, and tucked my knees inside of it. I tried to answer, but felt chilled to the bone. Even my blood felt like frozen red jello.

Damnit. It’s so fucking cold.

Having lived in the perpetual desert that is Arizona for most of my life, nothing could have prepared me for an impromptu visit to Siberia...in December.

Well done, Francine.

“You can’t tell me anything with your chattering teeth, detka. Here.” She laughed fondly, pulling me to the corner of her bed where the wind wasn’t nipping as much. She piled on all the blankets, and I looked up at her adoringly. Vasha seemed to be returning to her normal, sweet self. “Poor thing. Don’t worry bunny, I’ll make