Chapter 4

When Marissa was close to recovering, Roxanne suggested going on a trip. Joshua had the same thought because he could tell Marissa had been feeling rather blue. "We didn't even get to celebrate our fifth wedding anniversary! Why don't the three of us go on a trip, Marie?" Marissa turned down the offer, but Joshua wouldn't allow her to stay alone after she got hurt the last time. "Marie, you love snow, don't you? Let's go to Platonia. It's winter there. I've booked the flights and the hotel." But Marissa's "love for snow" stemmed from the fact that Roxanne was born on a snowy day. She was fond of Roxanne back when they were kids. Now, she felt extremely betrayed by the two people who loved her the most. Smiling, she slowly nodded. The trip would be a farewell to her relationship. … Platonia was a winter wonderland. After they settled down, Roxanne said she wanted to hike the snowy mountains. During the hike, Joshua was attentive to Marissa's needs. When she couldn't walk anymore, he crouched down without a word and carried her on his back. When she was thirsty, he took out the thermos to offer her some water, even holding the cup with both hands to keep it warm. He carried all of her supplies for her and carefully led her up the mountain so that she wouldn't get injured. For a moment, Joshua seemed to revert to the man who loved Marissa deeply. On the day her mother was laid to rest, she had cried to the point of fainting. Joshua had been there to guide her down the stairs at the cemetery. He had said, "Marie, don't cry. You have me. How about this? With each step you take, you can make a wish. I'll stay with you forever and give you anything you want." Their hearts had grown closer as they walked down the flight of stairs. Holding her hand, he made a solemn and genuine promise. Back to the present, he was holding both Marissa's and Roxanne's hands at the same time. Marissa came to a stop and slowly removed her hand from his grasp. Joshua turned around, puzzled. "What's wrong? Do your feet hurt? Or are you feeling unwell? I'll carry you on my back." His concern was genuine, and yet, he had never let go of Roxanne. Marissa smiled bitterly. "Joshua, I'll complete the remaining journey alone. You don't have to hold my hand." "What do you mean?" She was about to explain when a deafening sound echoed in the vicinity. Roxanne let out a horrified scream, "Joshua, i-it's an avalanche!" The three were caught by surprise as the snow rapidly flowed down the mountain in the backdrop. "Run!" Joshua, the first to snap out of shock, yelled worriedly. Next, he started to run with Roxanne in tow. As the snow neared, they finally spotted a tiny cave. When they were about to get in, Marissa lost her balance and fell into the snow when her old ankle injury flared up. "Joshua!" Hearing the scream, he paused and scanned his surroundings for Marissa. Yet, he was distracted by Roxanne's gasp. She had been flung against a jagged stone pillar. Joshua took another conflicted look at Marissa and threw himself at Roxanne without any hesitation. A thunderous roar split the air. Snow came crashing down, engulfing Marissa. Her last memory was of Joshua, with his arms wrapped around Roxanne and looking sorry for her.