Into the White
The trail leading into the highlands was already coated in fresh snow. Each step made a soft crunch beneath their boots. The spruce trees lining the path stood silent and heavy-laden, their branches sagging beneath the weight of the snowfall. Though the sky looked increasingly threatening, there was a kind of peace in those early moments—an intimacy fostered by shared purpose and the quiet stillness of winter.
Melissa carried her wedding dress carefully rolled inside a backpack. She had chosen a simple gown of light, flowing fabric that would billow beautifully in the wind but offered little insulation. For now, she wore multiple layers beneath a thick parka, her hair braided and pinned, ready for the moment she would step into her snowy bridal form. Devon carried their vows and a thermos of hot tea wrapped in towels to keep it warm.
As they climbed higher, the wind strengthened. Gusts of frigid air swept across the trail, whipping loose snow into delicate spirals. The temperature dropped sharply, and visibility began to shrink. Though the storm had not yet reached full force, it was clear that the mountain had decided to test them.
“We can stop at any time,” Marsen called out from behind them. “There’s no pressure.”
Melissa turned and smiled. “We’re okay. Let’s keep going.”
