Third Step

Her new strange friend revealed that perhaps she was never meant to be hidden in the dark, and so perhaps their burials would be different. What a grim thought, having just met, to be considering one another's death!

As the duo climbed higher, the autumnal boy ushering her onwards with words of praise and a soft touch. He told her to follow the sun, and she did just that, hiking higher and higher with each trembling step.

At first, the light blinded her, pale eyes squinting shut, but as she took another look, it was because her head was peeking over the icy edge. They were at the top of their climb! Short tail wagging excitedly, the deer turned back to her friend, "Look! We made it!" Lumi cast her head in the direction of the sun, a thousand glittering peaks greeting them at the top.