COLEEN

The wind cut across my face like knives. Snow whipped around me, sticking to my lashes, my hair, my coat. I didn’t even realize I’d forgotten my gloves until my fingers went numb.

How stupid could I be?

God, the image wouldn’t leave me. It replayed again and again, each loop making my stomach twist harder.

The snow beneath my boots squeaked as I trudged down the narrow road leading toward the main gate. I didn’t even know where I was going. ...