apple now hid from the hunter。 Chipmunks and squirrels were burrowed in
their dens。 There was the rustle of evergreen boughs in the wind； the
icy gurgle of the brook as it charged downstream； the crunch of their
boots on the near…frozen ground。
Anne's cheeks were as red as her cap when they returned； tired but
exhilarated； and it was a harbinger of the days ahead。 They settled into
the fort of easy panionship； sharing not only meals； but most
every other time of the day。 Mitch read when Anne did； his eye
occasionally catching hers。 They played backgammon in front of the fire；
and worked together on a jigsaw puzzle。 The weather held； offering
pleasant days with clear skies； and an invigorating chill to the night。
They walked together and worked together； Anne on her translating； Mitch
on papers dug from an overstuffed briefcase。 They lived in the here and
now； avoiding talk of the city like the plague。
All too soon； Anne loaded up her car for the return trip to New York。
Slinging an arm across her shoulder； Mitch walked her from the house a
final time。 The silence had been heavier that morning than at any other
point in the week。 Anne knew its cause。
〃Will you be spending Thanksgiving with your family？〃 he asked quietly。
〃Yes。〃 She took in his handsome features； studying； memorizing。 〃And
you？〃
〃The same。〃 He held her just a little closer。 〃Plans for New Year's
Eve？〃
They had reached the car。 She faced him； smiling sadly。 〃Funny。 I used
to worry about New Year's Eve。 Would I have a date？ Would I not？ Would
he be tall； dark； and handsome？ Now it doesn't seem to matter。〃 She
sighed。 〃No； I
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