she was on the roads； the worse they
became。
She was impatient to reach the cottage。 Even aside from a hacking cough
and the accumulation of snow on the windshield； she wanted to be in a
place that had bee； in some ways； more real a world than the other。
The past six weeks in New York had been a way of passing time between
trips。 She was happier here； more relaxed and alive with Mitch than
anywhere else。
Traffic slowed another notch。 She glanced at her watch。 Two hours
behind； already！ It was late afternoon。 Darkness would be here before
long。 She didn't relish driving through the storm in the dark。
She thought of stopping at an inn for the night； but feared that
tomorrow wouldn't be any better。 Besides； she had no way to contact
Mitch。 He would be worried if she didn't show up。
Her snow tires clung tentatively to the road as she turned off the
highway at last。 There were still miles to go； but at least the road was
smaller。 Unfortunately it was also deserted。 She pushed the small car
through a blinding rage of white。 Vistas were obliterated。 Only the low
fencing at the side of the road kept her on course； though how long it
would be before they were covered by drifts； she didn't know。
Her hands were white…knuckled on the wheel。 The snow was a thick wall
behind her； so there was no turning back。 She peered nervously through