WALLY WOKE TO THE CRACKLING SOUND OF THE FIRE, stoked with new logs and warming the big room. She peeled the wool blankets off herself and sat up, feeling thick in the head the way she usually did when she overslept. Kyle was gone from his sofa, his blankets folded into a pile with his pillow on top. The sound of a whistling teapot came from the kitchen. “Kyle?” He appeared, looking relaxed and upbeat as he set a cup of coffee down in front of her. “Somehow I’ve become your coffee bitch,” he said. “I’m feeling a little groggy. What time is it?” “Almost ten. It’s easy to sleep late here. It’s so quiet, and the morning light hits the other side of the lodge.” They ate instant apple-cinnamon oatmeal for breakfast, Wally slowly waking up with the help of the strong coffee. “I have an idea about a hike,”
