Chapter 44 Surprise

*Ana*

I don’t think we’ve had such a cold day like this before. If we did, I don’t remember. But it is.

It’s cold, dark, and windy outside. It’s so windy that I can hear it howl against the window. It sounds angry and upset that we dare keep it outside. But of course we do. And Maddie is doing her best to keep it that way.

Thanks to her, the room is toasty. She has made a good fire and has been diligently keeping it stocked. I do not have to fear the cold today since she works so hard.

“Ah?” I look up from my book at the sudden sound. I see the fire has swallowed up another log. It cracks and snaps as the flames run through it, and I watch it momentarily. But soon enough, my eyes wander again. I found myself turning to find Mykhol.

Mykhol is on his couch. He has another book in his hand, but he seems to be reading it this time. I look at the title. It’s a military book. I have to cringe a little at that. It’s one of the few subjects I am not so fond of reading. But outside of