Prologue
21st December 2015
The snow was so strong, that they could barely see anything outside of the car window.
"Well, at least we are going to have a white Christmas now.", Sophie sighed.
"It's not just white, though. I feel like we are in a total void! The traffic could've moved just minutes ago and we wouldn't have even noticed!", her friend, Allison replied.
"Sounds like the beginning of a Doctor Who episode: two friends in the middle of nowhere, suddenly slip into the void and the Doctor has to save them."
"A rather boring one, actually.", Allison replied, pulling a face.
"So" Sophie started, trying to lift the mood "any special plans for the holidays?"
"Working. Spending the days with my family. Swotting for my exams. Watching Christmas Specials of various shows. Oh, and bathing in self pity because Downton Abbey is ending."
"Why do you have to remind me of this?" groaned Sophie "Besides, why do you work just before the holidays, if you hate it so much?"
"The Gift Shop is especially busy at that time, and I need the money. I think you do know that I am planning to travel as soon as the A-Levels are over?"
Sophie just rolled her eyes: "I still can't believe that you are leaving me in this hicktown for one year of Canada"
Allison caught her eye, and in almost the same second they burst out into simultaneous laughter.
"I'm just staying there for about nine months. Plus, Canada has a very unique landscape and culture!"
"That's the Allie I know: constantly correcting other people."
"I'm not…oh look the traffic jam just dissolved!"
Allison turned her car back on and started driving again. The snow storm was still very airtight, and even with her floodlights on she could barely see anything at all. She just realised a very tight, uncomfortable feeling in her chest, when both, Allison and Sophie felt the ground give away under their feet, and fell, together with the old car.