A Cold Night's Sweetness

A Warm Hug

"Where did Carol go?!" Jess' mom cried. My mom was moving up and down the hotel stairs looking for Aunt Carol. I, Jess, Allen and Fallon have gone for pizza treat by Fallon and had just entered the hotel when I heard sounds coming from inside. Dan was also there looking distressed and frustrated with himself. Without further ado, I made my way to my mom. "What happened, mom? Why is aunt calling out for Aunt Carol?" I asked mom who has almost gone insane running up and down the same stairs. My mom worriedly replied, "Dan and Carol had a fight. Carol wanted them to spend Christmas with us but Dan was busy at that day, so he won't be able to stay. He came this morning and had came here to explain it to Carol but she refused to listen. The talk eventually broke down and Carol went out. Now she is not here in the lobby, we are so worried about her. I just hope Carol is not hurt." I consoled mom and went out with Jess to search for Aunt. We searched around the hotel and went to the park above the hotel. Aunt Carol was not there either, we practically searched the whole town but unfortunately we didn't see her. We met Allen and Fallon near Home Mart and they were also not able to find her. As if all our luck was against us, our energy also dissipated gradually. After taking two rounds of the town, we were exhausted and physically beaten down. The hope of finding Aunt Carol was disappearing as night began to seep in. As we all sat on a nearby bench; defeated, a possibility struck my mind. It aroused my hope to find her and suddenly it felt like a new and clearer path has bestowed upon us. I looked at them and saw Jess drowsy and close to collapsing, I guess it was because of the lack of sleep and on top of that the tension of finding Aunt Carol. Fallon on the other hand was breathing heavily due to walking the whole day and because of his chubbiness. I looked at Allen and he was okay compared to them and I spoke breaking the silence," Fallon, can you take Jess and go back to the hotel? I and Allen need to go. I am sure we will find Aunt there." Jess protested that she was alright and she will accompany but I interrupted her in the middle. Allen was surprised on the sudden mention of him and me continuing without them but the bewilderment lasted for a short time when he stood up and was ready to go.
The way up was narrow and steep as always; the white fluffy snow decorated the walls and roads leaving small trail capable of fitting one person, was left dry. The trees has lost all the leaves and just stood tall and creepy by the road. Allen and I made our way up the road; me leading and him behind me. The darkness made it difficult to see the path and every time I stepped forward I would slid and lose control. The figure behind me disappeared and suddenly it was in front of me, as I raised both hands sideways to balance myself, Allen's extraordinarily warm hands in such harsh weather held my hands and led me till we reached the place. We stood at the gate of the shrine where it was less visited but as New Year follows, people especially old people who know about the existence of this shrine populates the place.
Allen went through the gate and looked back for me when I didn't move an inch from my position. I hesitated to go in the shrine since it contained so many memories. It was a good hideout for us; Allen and me. Every time we came here, we would visit this place and spent most of our time here. The thought of entering the gate and reliving the memories sounds both exciting and painful. A tear rolled down my cheek and I could feel my heart breaking at the same time.
Allen stared at me as if he could read my thoughts but he didn't utter a word. He came down to me and stood before me. I could only see his chest heaving and his shoulder from my eye level. He gently raised his hand and wiped tears away. He pulled me in a warm hug and stated boldly yet trying his best to hide his pain, "Everything will be okay."

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