Paprika came to a narrow & icy path. A path she knew she must cross, as it led straight to her destination.
She whispered aloud, Every step counts, her caution growing.
The storm had left a fresh coat of ice. The frozen surface shined dangerously at Paprika. She pressed on, focused & steady in defiance of it. Her breath was visible in the cold air, thankfully, her cloak shielded her from the brittle wind.
In an instant, the ice betrayed her. Her back paw slipped, skidding across the slick surface, & she froze, her heart racing. She dug her claws in, trying to regain her balance, but the ice proved too slippery. Panic surged as her footing gave way, surprise & fear in her eyes.
In that moment, she thought of her father.