The birds flew away early.
The nights were getting colder faster than usual.
And the wind… the wind carried a sharpness she hadn’t felt in years.
A storm was coming.
Not just any storm.
A winter that destroys those who are unprepared.
She tried to warn them.
“You should get more firewood,” he said to Mrs. Langley one afternoon.
The woman waved.
“It’s autumn, Eleanor. It’s always cold this time of year.”
“It’s not the same,” Eleanor insisted.
“The frost came too early.”
Mrs. Langley smiled politely and turned away.
“You worry too much.”
Eleanor tried looking into the store again.
“Get supplies,” he said to the men gathered there.
“Food, blankets, everything you can think of. This winter will be worse than you think.”
