Cold Friends

As Charles & his dog, Max settled down for the night, they could see the snow starting to fall. It made the cabin and the surrounding area look even more serene. As the radio played in the background, Charles noticed that the snow was coming down harder. With the fire crackling in the fireplace, Max cuddled up at his feet, all seemed right with the world.

The absolute beauty of the snow as it fell, made it such a peaceful surrounding for that deep sleep that makes you wake up the next morning refreshed and ready for an adventure.

After a good night sleep and a good breakfast, Charles sipped his coffee while staring out the window at the lake. As the snow glistened off its frozen surface, Charles pondered if the lake was frozen enough to skate on?

Since Charles has been skating on this lake most of his life, he couldn't wait to get on it and practice his moves. Max barks, bringing Charles back from his daydream.

"What's up, boy?" Charles asks Max. Tail wagging, Max races to the front door. Charles walks over and opens the door to see a familiar face heading up the walkway.

"What are you doing here?' inquires Charles. "Figured I'd stop by and see if you're up to a challenge?" laughed Helena. Helena was Charles' childhood sweetheart who lives a few houses away.

"I saw you unpacking yesterday, so I figured I'd stop by today to say hello." explained Helena, "Luckily it snowed last night." "What do you mean "Luckily"?" Charles quipped. "I figured since you were here I'd finally have someone that I can win a race against!" chuckled Helena. "You're on!" exclaimed Charles.

Charles grabbed his skates from the closet and he and Helena headed towards the lake with Max following close behind.

Helena & Charles sat down on the bench by the lake to put on their skates. "So have you been practicing?" Helena asks Charles. "I'll never tell." replied Charles. "Make sure you test the lake before you step out there!" insisted Helena. "It'll be fine," insisted Charles, "I've done this a million times before."

Just then Max runs past Charles and onto the frozen lake. "CRACK!" Charles notices that Max has run onto the lake, causing the ice to start to crack. Charles cautiously steps onto the ice and calls to Max to come to him. As Max heads toward Charles, Helena goes to Charles' side and steadies Charles as he reaches out to grab Max from the ice.

Max heads toward Charles, slipping and sliding on the ice. The ice continued to crack, as Max slid his way toward Charles and Helena. As Max inched closer, Charles tentatively stepped out onto the ice.

Charles reached down to grab Max, when the ice underneath them gave way. Fortunately, they were close enough to the shore, that the water was only waist deep. Charles was able to get safely to the shore with Max. As they headed out of the water, Helena could see that they were shaking. She wrapped her jacket around Max and the blanket she had brought around Charles.

Leading them both up to the cabin, Helena quickly led them to the fire and grabbed more blankets to warm them. "I'm so glad you're both alright!" stated Helena. "Me too!" said Charles. "If Max hadn't gone out there first to alert us to the thin ice, who knows what could have happened." remarked Charles. "You're lucky to have him looking out for you." said Helena. "Yes I am" replied Charles, as he dried Max.

"You had better get out of those wet clothes and into a hot shower before you catch a cold" stated Helena, "I'll take care of Max". "Thanks" said Charles, "I won't be long". "Take your time, I've got things handled out here." remarked Helena.

While Charles showered, Helena finished drying Max. "How about we make some food, boy?" Helena asked Max. Max's tail began to wag. Helena began cooking with Max by her side patiently waiting for scraps to fall. "I see how you are, Helena giggled, you only love me for my cooking."

"What is that heavenly smell?" asked Charles as he inhaled deeply. "I'm making stew for you and Max to warm your insides" replied Helena, "Sit by the fire and I'll bring it to you."

"A bowl for you and one for Max." said Helena. "Why don't you join us?" asks Charles. "I really wish I could but I have to get home and make dinner for my family." replies Helena. "Your family?" inquired Charles. "Yeah, my grandparents have to eat their meals at a certain time of day and since they don't really cook anymore, it falls to me these days." says Helena. "Oh, your grandparents, I didn't realize you were living with them." says Charles. "I'm not, they're living with me -- technically." Helena replied. "Technically?" questioned Charles. "Yes, technically. My grandparents sold me the house with the stipulation that they don't have to leave their home." "While they are still pretty vital, I like cooking, especially for them. It's the least I can do as a thank you for the house." explained Helena.

"Well, that makes sense." stated Charles, "Thanks so much for all your help today." "Hopefully, we can get together again before I leave." said Charles. Helena said, "I hope so too. How long are you planning to stay?" "I'm here for a month or so. A lot depends on how things are going with the outside world, which is what lead me here in the first place." stated Charles. " I understand completely and I'll be in touch soon to make plans." Helena leaned down to pet Max and he surprised her with a big wet kiss. Helena laughed as Max's tail wagged feverishly. "I'll be back to see you too, boy!"

Charles walked Helena to the door and said "It was great seeing you." "Great to see you too." said Helena. Helena leaned in and kissed Charles on the cheek, smiled, and headed home.

"So what do you think, Max?" Max wagged his tail and barked. "Me too." said Charles