21. Not Once

Kris led me to a window near the second-floor stairwell door. He pointed to the north, where a dark, ominous cloud loomed on the horizon, its edges rolling like something from a disaster movie. It looked like the end of the world, and I wasn't sure if I was ready for it.

"That's the biggest blizzard this area's seen in a hundred years," Kris said.

"Holy shit!" I blurted out, my voice going up an octave higher than I'd intended. I coughed quickly, pretending it was something in my throat, but I could see the smirk on Kris's face.

"What? Don't like storms or something?" he teased, raising an eyebrow.

I laughed, but it came out more nervous than I'd hoped. "I'm from Texas. I've never seen snow," I said, sounding casual as possible.

"Not once?" he asked, his disbelief evident.

"Not once," I confirmed, shrugging like it wasn't a big deal, even though my heart was racing at the thought of being trapped in a blizzard.

Kris smiled wide, his eyes lighting up. "Well, then you're in for a