#Chapter 62: The Unfinished Confrontation

Lauren The moment we stepped off the helicopter, the cold bit at my skin, crisp and unrelenting. The Alps stretched before us, their snow-dusted peaks rising against the pale morning sky like something out of a painting. The air smelled fresh, sharp with the scent of pine and ice, so different from the sterile hospital halls we had just left behind. Beyond the hospital was the resort, a massive lodge with high stone walls and tinder frames. People were skiing down the massive peaks in large S shape movements, boots clopping around on the stone while carrying big, clunch boards and skis. Abigail and Owen were already halfway down the private tarmac, their boots crunching against the fresh powder. Their laughter rang through the crisp air as they kicked up the snow. Owen, usually reserved, had abandoned his usual cautious demeanor, taking in the towering mountains with wide-eyed wonder. Abigail, always the fearless one, scooped up a handful of snow and tossed it playfully i