Cold Heart | Marshall x Everest Story

Chapter One: A letter from a relative

It was a winter morning in Adventure Bay. The sun was rising and its rays were starting to warm the surface. At Jake Mountain, Jake and Everest woke up to face another day to watch over their ski resort.

"Good morning Jake," Everest said yawning.

"Good morning Everest, how you have slept?" Jake asked while dressing in winter clothing.

"I slept well, even though there was a noise that bothered me." She said putting on her wool hat.

"What was that sound like?"

"Similar to drops of water falling on the ground."

"There must be a broken pipe," Jake said looking at the ceiling of the room. "Anyway, Everest, could you do me a favor and go check my mail while I make breakfast?" 

"Sure, I'll be right there." She said. Everest came out of the front door of Jake's house. As he came out, he felt the cold air running through his fur. She was used to the snow and the cold so she didn't mind.

She walked the snow-covered driveway until she arrived at the mailbox, made of metal. She got up on two legs and with his teeth opened the flap and took letters. Then she closed the mailbox with his paw and quickly returned inside, wanting to enjoy the warmth of the chalet.

Everest returned to Jake's house sat down on a table chair and placed the letters on the white tablecloth. 

"What did you find in the mailbox?" Jake asked looking at her beu-eyed eggs cooking in the pan.

"I found two letters, it seems that one is for me, but I did not expect letters," Everest said looking curiously at the envelope of the letter written above her name on the part of the recipient.

"Try to open it, maybe it's important," Jake said.

"Jake, you know I'm not a human. You have to open it," Everest said.

"Okay, let me finish preparing the breakfast."  

When Jake finished cooking his breakfast and filled Everest's bowl with dog food, he went to sit at the table and with a knife opened the bag.

"What does it say?" Everest said with curiosity.

"Calm, I've just opened it," Jake said taking the paper inside.

Jake cleared his voice and started reading. 

Hi Everest, I'm writing you from Siberia. Even if you don't remember me, I'm one of your cousins. I am writing to ask you to join me as soon as possible in the village of Novrosk, on the shores of Lake Baikal. To the letter I have attached also a photo to prove to you that it is me. The puppy to your left is me.

I hope you'll accept my proposal.
Your cousin, Sascia.

"You have a cousin?" Jake asked amazed.

"Let's just say I have relatives in Siberia, but I didn't remember having cousins," Everest replied looking at the photo attached to the letter.

"That's great! Why didn't you tell me?" Jake said.

"I never told you about my past because it hurts me to talk about it. And also you wouldn't understand much of what I'm saying." Everest said not to look at Jake.

"I see. That's all I'm gonna ask, I don't want to make you uncomfortable," Jake said looking for the gaze of Everest.

"Thank you, I appreciate that." She said smiling.

"I have to say, you were very pretty when you were little," Jake said stroking his pup's head.

"Hey, you're embarrassing me," Everest said with a giggle.