Morning sunlight filtered through the cabin window.

The young woman slowly opened her eyes, surprised that the nightmares had finally been quiet.

The mountain man was adding another log to the fire.

“Did you sleep?”

She gave a faint nod.

“For the first time in weeks.”

He smiled gently and handed her a warm cup.

“You’re safe here.”

She wrapped both hands around the mug.

“Why would you help a stranger?”

He looked toward the snow-covered forest.

“Because someone should have helped sooner.”

Tears filled her eyes again.

“You gave me hope.”

He opened the cabin door, revealing the golden morning light.

“Then let’s keep walking toward it.”

As fresh snow sparkled across the mountains—

the lonely cabin that sheltered her from the storm…

became the place where her new life quietly began.