By Katie Arminie

 She groans in contentment as she settles down into the cozy couch next to the blazing fire. Her feline companion, Piryan, by her side. It was all worth it to get to this point, the preparing, the treacherous drive, the arguments with family. No one could understand why she wanted to be in such an isolated spot, in such a basic cabin with no electricity. To her, it was simple, a chance to unplug and recharge. She smiles, taking turns staring out the window, at the softly falling midday snow and at the crackling, healthy fire. Piryan’s rhythmic purrs further put her into a relaxed state of bliss. He is happy to be out of the travel crate. She smiles at him and lets out a big sigh, allowing herself to drift off to sleep.

 Her dream is a hodgepodge of recent thoughts. Although her life lately has been overwhelming, this is a mellow dream. After a good spell of sleep, a repetitive voice inserts itself into the dream, ”Let me in.” Her mind makes it part of the dreamscape as it prepares to ignore it. In fact, she makes it Priyan wanting to get in from the outside, a usual occurrence. Her brain is more awake now from the irritating monotonous plea. It jolts her into the real world.

“Let me in.” It is a man’s voice, right outside the front door. She freezes holding her breath, her brain trying to process the impossibility of it. There is no one around for miles.

“Let me in,” The gruff unrecognizable voice continues. A storm is coming, and he would freeze if she does not open the door. Should she let him in?