The early spring had been cold here - colder than usual. Her ears and nose were numb and she could see her breath as she walked. Though the bite in the air was an uncomfortable reminder of her current condition, the warmth of the morning sun presaged nicer days ahead.

The ground was crisp with frozen leaves and dead brush - the protective cover that sheltered a colony of sprouts that in weeks would break through to drink in their first rays of pure sunlight.

She could see the opening to the cave ahead. It couldn’t be more than 100 yards more. She would slip in quickly before anyone could spot her, grab the bag, and get out. Simple as that.

But as she approached, something was off - she could feel it. Her pace slowed and her feet stopped moving, coming to an abrupt halt just outside the entrance. It seemed like a bad idea to go in, but she’d come all this way. This was the plan. This is why she’d waited for so long, and she could go back now - not without the bag. A barrage of thoughts swirled in her head. She stared blankly into the darkness, not sure whether to proceed or retreat. Suddenly…movement. Was someone - or something - looking back at her?