Fall was over before I knew it, the chill of winter turning the land from orange and red to a crisp white. Snow covered the ground and air, making it hard to see anything that was too far away. I didn't hate winter, but it could be very annoying. I could just imagine the blizzards that Bluebell was sure to get. I had to make sure that my animals were inside earlier so that they wouldn't be left in the snow. They were easier to anger in this season.

But I had to admit how beautiful it turned the town. I wrapped a scarf around my neck and left my farm with a feathery feeling flowing through me. I could see Ash being lead to the mountain by Cheryl. The other farmer gave me a wave before turning back to answer his younger sister. I wonder if they were going to make snow angels. It made me feel a bit better.

When I got to town, I could see Laney and Georgia talking near the horses. Some of them were asleep, while others ran around their pen. I haven't taken a ride from my own horse in a while. The girls turned to face me when I was in view of them.

"Hey Philip," Georgia smiled, "The shops gotten some new dogs if you wanna take a look at em. I hear that you got an alpaca?"

"Yes I did."

"I heard that dogs can herd sheep, so it'd be good for you."

"I'll keep that in mind. My animals aren't too hard to handle. And I finally got my alpaca to not be afraid of me anymore. Thank Goddess. They sure are fast when they want to be."

"Indeed," Georgia gave Laney a look, "I have something I gotta do. Have fun you two." She winked at me.

"Georgia!" Laney seemed annoyed, but her best friend was already going into her house, so the waitress sighed, "I don't know what she was implying."

"Who knows," I shrugged, "Since today's kind of pleasant, do you want to go for a walk with me?"

"Philip? Are you asking me on a date?"

I froze at her words, making her laugh. She put a hand on my shoulder.

"Uh. . ."

"I was joking. Come on, Romeo."

"So my father was curious. Will you be participating in the cooking festival? If you are, he wanted to know if you wanted to cook with him? He wants to enter with his herb salad."

"I can do this," I grinned, "With us doing most of the work, this cooking festival should be Bluebell's. Were you going to enter with us?"

"Cam volunteered to. I just hope he doesn't ruin your chances."

"Cam can cook."

"But Howard usually does most of the cooking," Laney walked near the edge of the frozen river, a little too close.

"I suppose so-"

I turned my head as I heard a large crack and a yell hit the air. Laney had crashed through the ice and into the river. I started to panic.

"Laney!"

"Help!" She screamed as the water started to drag her away from me. She splashed for a couple of seconds, trying to keep herself a float. I threw down my bag and jumped into the water after her. I ignored the chill of the icy river and swam over to where she was struggling.

"Philip!" She grabbed onto me as soon as she felt me bump against her. I put an arm around her and used the other to row us to the shore. I felt my stamina slowly decrease, but her life was more important than that. I used the last of my strength to push her back on land, where she pulled herself up. She turned to me with wide eyes. She grabbed at my arms.

"I don't think I can pull myself up," I panted, feeling the icy water crash against me, as if it wanted to kill me.

"I got you," She huffed, using all of her strength to help me. Once we were both back on land, we collapsed onto the snow, breathing ragged.

"You alright Laney?" I wanted to fall asleep, but that would be dangerous for my health. I still felt chills from the water.

"Thanks to you," She pushed herself up and pulled me with her, hugging me, "You saved my life."

"I had to. I couldn't let you drown."

"Let's get back to the cafe. I'm sure Cam has some clothes you can borrow."