Mr. Hernandez dropped off Vince to his place. He marveled at the tiny house next to a massive lawn with an overlooking view of the St. Lawrence River and Old Quebec City. “This is every man’s dream,” tapping Vince’s shoulders, who smiled in response.

After bidding farewell to the two ladies, he waved his hand and waited for the car to leave before he walked towards his house. Everywhere, snow was now a foot-deep, except for the walkway, which was heated, thanks to the stubborn reminder of his friend Tony. It was freezing at -10° Celcius that day enough to freeze even the warmest heart. His tiny house that he goes back to after a long day at work was both empty and cold.

Vince turned on the heater, fired up the fireplace and lay face first on his bed with all his working clothes. He stayed in the same position for a good 30 minutes before he rolled over, shredding off all his clothes while in bed and tucking himself between the cold mattress. His body too exhausted to stand up, letting his toes reached out for his pajamas on the foot of the bed. He was tired; Sad, but delighted at how things turned out.

His heart broke for every piece of Vicky’s clothes and bags sold in the auction. He couldn’t recall the numerous times he had to blink back tears. Ashley purchasing some of the satchels sent waves of relief over him. For he knew, they were in good hands knowing how meticulous Ashley was.

And then there was Angie. Vince breathed in a huge gulp of air. A sudden wave of euphoria flooded through him. Angie has transformed right before his eyes. And she has become more than what he expected of her. Behind the badass girl was a fragile and easily shaken girl. He knew there’s more to Angie that meets the eyes. Layer by layer unpeeled till she stripped down to the core. Angie was someone who deserved to be protected and loved. And he hoped she stayed with him through the new journey that awaited them. Although, he found Angie mysterious. There’s something about her he can’t wrap his fingers around.

The day had drained both Angie and Vince’s energy that around 10 pm, both of them were sleeping like a log in their own haven.

Angie woke up late Saturday morning, the sun flooding inside brightening the pink flushed room. Stretching her legs and arms, yawning and smiling as a new day has come. She stood up, washed her face in the sink, and changed into a tracksuit and runners. The smell of bacon and brewed coffee infiltrated her nostrils when she opened the door jolting up her sleepy disposition.

“Good morning, everyone,” she yelled when she reached the first floor, peering at the dining room.

“Hey, my angel, you seem to be in a good mood today,” her Mom grinned, transferring the bacon and eff on a serving plate.

“I am walking Snowball today, he needs to stretch his legs, and I know he missed me so much,” she added, grabbing an apple on the table and taking a huge bite.

“Yeah, you do that. I am off to an appointment today,” Mr. Hernandez replied, peering behind his newspaper.

“Bye, see you later,” waving her hands. She whistled, and her white Pomeranian puff came rushing to her side. Putting the leash around his neck and tapping his head, they walked out into the chilly morning.

“Grab some toast, will ya?” Mrs. Hernandez called out.

“I will eat later, Mom,” Angie stepped into the white city.

The weather is warmer compared to the previous days, and more people were outside in the open. She walked towards the park with Snowball, her white Pomeranian puff that can easily blend with the snow. One day, he got lost in the pile of snow outside of their house, and she panicked at the thought of losing him. When she was blind, he was all she got getting her anywhere. Snowball was her best friend. And ever since her sight was back, she had barely spared Snowball time. They crossed the street to a nearby park where several pet owners and their pets stroll around.

“Hi Snowball, good to see you here. Go play with Finn,” an old lady with white hair spoke after tapping on Snowball’s head. Standing up, removing Finn, her 4-year old terrier, from its leash. They had met in the park when Angie used to have her old dog until she brought in Snowball.

She knew how sad Angie was when she lost Hope, her 9-year old Doberman, because of old age. She was heartbroken and could not work for a few days because of the passing of her pet. To appease her, Mr. and Mrs. Hernandez brought her to various pet shops until they ended in a dog orphanage. Snowball was a shy puppy but jumped up and down at the sight of Angie. He followed her around, sniffed, and brushed at her feet. When she picked him up, he had a dog tag with the word written - HOPE. She knew that her best friend has sent her a new guardian.

And like how Snowball was, she wanted to bring hope to the kids in the orphanage.

The weekend went by swiftly. Cold winter snow covered the entire town sending shivers to every spine as men, women, and children alike walk the streets cloaked in full winter wardrobe from thick padded jackets, earmuffs, and winter boots. Everyone’s paced were fast trying to evade the road, entering the warm comfort of their cars, homes, and workplace.

La Boutique Prague was bustling with people after the successful fashion show of their Winter selections. A new collection in the kid’s line includes a series where part of the proceeds go to a cause continuing what Angie has started.

That Monday morning, everyone was talking about the upcoming year-end party for the employees on the 30th of the month. Hotel de Glace has been booked, and they were to come in a Frozen II inspired costume. The evil twin sisters, as Michael called them, have done a great job planning everything and keeping everyone excited.

Unlike everyone, Angie was the least interested as she had other things on her mind. Lindsey was in the middle of the Year-end party meeting in the conference room with Jaime and Christine. “Hi, can I come in for a sec?”

“Sure. Is it urgent?” Lindsey replied. The two girls looked at each other and rolled their eyes.

“I just need your signature on this so we can release the funds for the orphanage,” handing her sheets of papers in a folder. “Also, ask you if you are available for lunch later?”

“Yes. Drop by my office later.”

“Thank you, girls. Sorry for interrupting you. See you later. As she stepped out of the room,” she bumped into Vince, who was carrying boxes of clothes from the 1st floor.

“Hey, you alright?” He stopped and put the boxes down on the floor.

“Yeah. I am good,” she answered without looking up at him.

“Are you sure you’re okay? Do you need help?” Vince questioned her, his heart beating quickly.

“No, thanks. I am fine. I think I’m just hungry,” Angie walked away, her eyes fixated on the floor. She hates it that Vince had seen her in a vulnerable state when she was always on edge.

“You need to rest. You look terrible,” Vince’s voice full of concern.

“No, I am really okay,” she said in a fierce voice, “I will wait for Lindsey. We will have lunch together.”

“Give me 5 to 10 minutes, okay? I will be back,” he stated.

Angie went straight to her desk. The two ladies looked at her, whispering, “Look, its the walking dead.”

Vince, on the one hand, picked up the cartons on the floor and carried them to the stockroom on the 5th floor. After laying down the containers, he sprinted to the elevator to the ground floor. The cold icy breeze hit his face numbing every nerve. He rubbed his hands and blew heat on his hands to warm up. Lowered his head while he walked towards the nearest convenience store. The store offered solace from the dreary weather. Browsed through the shelves scouring for sandwiches and energy drinks. After picking up everything he needed, he dashed to the boutique, climbing to the second floor.

“Hey Angie, I am back,” Vince called out. His eyes searching the entire floor. She was sitting with her head laid on the table.

Vince placed his palm on her forehead, “Hey, you’re burning up. You must go home.”

“Uhm,” she murmured.

“I have some fever reducer here. But you need to eat first before drinking it,” whispering, shaking her shoulder lightly.

Mumbling, Angie sat up, had a bite or two of the sandwich and water, then drank the medicine.

“Do you want to go to the lounge while waiting for Lindsey? I will message her where she can find you.”

She only grumbled but stood up anyway. Vince pulled her up into his strong muscular arm, guiding her to the lounge.

The lounge has four beds the employees can sneak into after working the whole night on a collection. For those who live hours away, it offered a refuge from the freezing temperatures. For Angie, it’s a temporary shelter to her restless soul.

A few minutes later. “Angie, Angie, I am here,” a pair of hands shook her shoulder. Her forehead has tickles of sweat, mumbling random words, flapping her hands and feet in the air. “Angie, wake up!” The tone of voice became more abrupt and panicky.

She opened her eyes, sat down, gasping for breath, and face flushed in crimson red. She shook her head and covered her face with her palms sobbing and mumbling. Warm hands wrapped around her shoulder, comforting her tired soul. When she looked up, she saw the most mysterious yet loving soul behind those almond eyes smiling brightly like the sunshine. It was Vince.