FEARLESS

A chill hand startled me from my dream, and I instinctively scooted away, but a playful giggle echoed in the room.

"Stop it," I complained, my voice thick with sleep, each word a struggle to form as I fought against the remnants of my dreams.

Mornings were never my favorite, especially when the air was biting cold, wrapping around me like a frosty blanket that made it all the more difficult to leave the warmth of my bed. The world outside the window was a winter wonderland, but all I could think about was how cozy I felt nestled under my thick comforter.

"Come on, get up! I want to go sledding!" Taylor urged, her enthusiasm unyielding, a stark contrast to my reluctance. Her voice was bright and cheerful, cutting through the haze of sleep that clung to me like a stubborn fog.

She could sense my annoyance at being roused by her icy fingers, and after a brief moment of silence, she returned.

"Here," Taylor said, settling on the edge of my bed, her weight causing the mattress to dip slightly. I peeked out from beneath the warm covers, my curiosity piqued, and found her holding a steaming cup of coffee. The rich, inviting aroma wafted toward me, wrapping around my senses like a warm embrace.

Instinctively, I sat up, grateful for the warm drink, and brought it to my lips, savoring the comforting aroma that filled the air. The first sip was like a jolt of energy, the warmth spreading through me and pushing back the chill that had settled in my bones. I could feel the sleepiness beginning to fade, replaced by a flicker of excitement at the thought of sledding.

"Okay, okay, I'm up!" I finally relented, setting the cup down on my nightstand. "But you owe me a few extra minutes to get ready. I can't just throw on my snow gear like you do."

Taylor laughed, a bright sound that filled the room with warmth. "Fine! But hurry! The snow is perfect, and I want to be the first one down the hill!"

I swung my legs over the side of the bed, the cold floor sending a shiver up my spine, but the thought of racing down the snowy slopes with Taylor was enough to motivate me

I hurriedly donned the snow gear that Taylor had lent me, the fabric rustling as I pulled on the thick, insulated jacket and snug snow pants. The chill of the winter air seeped through the window, urging me to move faster. Once I was dressed, I headed back into the bedroom, where Taylor was waiting with a playful glint in her eye.

With a mischievous smile, she approached me and playfully placed a vibrant pink winter hat on my head, the soft fleece lining warming my ears instantly. "Here you go, beautiful. We can't have you catching a chill," she sang cheerfully, her voice light and melodic, filling the room with warmth despite the cold outside.

I couldn't help but smile at her enthusiasm. Leaning in for a quick kiss, I was taken by surprise when Taylor instantly deepened it, her lips soft and inviting, eager to explore more. The world around us faded for a moment, and all I could think about was the way she made me feel—alive and cherished.

"Hold on, we need to go sledding!" I said, breaking away from her embrace, my heart racing from both the kiss and the excitement of the day ahead.

"Right! Sledding!" she exclaimed, her eyes sparkling with anticipation. Together, we ascended the stairs, the sound of our boots crunching on the wooden steps echoing in the quiet house. As we stepped outside, the crisp air hit us like a refreshing wave, invigorating and full of promise.

Taylor dashed over to the side of the house, her laughter ringing out like music as she grabbed two bright plastic sleds, their colors vibrant against the white blanket of snow. "Bet you can't beat me to the top!" she shouted, her competitive spirit igniting as she took off in a burst of energy, her boots kicking up snow behind her.