A Place To Call Home

The last couple of nights had been the hardest. It always was when winter was right knocking on the front door.

When the sun went down, everything completely changed. The forest no longer looked inviting and full of life. Winds blew against the sides of the cabin, testing its foundation. Trees scraped the walls, dragging their gnarled fingers along the surface - echoing throughout the empty rooms. Creatures came out of their burrows - searching for food, shelter from the elements, somewhere warmer to sleep than a hole in the Earth. They often came knocking, trying to find a way in, hoping to take residence. When it rained, moisture would seep into the pores of the cabin, causing it to bloat - trying to make it crack.

It knew it wouldn't be long until they'd come back. That if it kept fighting on, staying strong, it would make it.

There had never been a year that didn't include a weekend getaway. When the cabin was at its proudest - filled with the smells of steaming coffee, lingering smoke from the wood stove, and freshly cut pine. It tickled the senses. A perfect combination of the season. They'd make themselves at home again, even if for such a short period, dancing upon the wood floors - hanging decorations, gingerly placing ornaments upon the tree, wrapping presents when the other wasn't looking. Mornings were filled with laughter and breakfasts in bed. Hot cocoa overflowed with marshmallows. Their company added a warmth to the walls of the cabin. A glow that couldn't be matched by anything else - except maybe a perfectly stoked fire.

It loved when they were there. The smiles on their faces always gave away how excited they were to see it. Never disappointed. There wasn't a moment that it didn't feel appreciated.

Until they returned, it missed them. Missed their touch. Socks gliding across the floor, hands on the doors of the kitchen cabinets, rooting for the perfect cup for tea, the pressure of them lying in bed together, holding each other close. It never intruded, never peeked, respecting its guests, but it was always present, making sure they were secure and warm, never needing an extra blanket - protected from the world outside.

Waiting for them always seemed like an eternity. At times it just wanted to give up. Let the elements get the better of it. Fighting everything was exhausting. The stress way always mounting. Snow always came before they did - piling up on the roof, trying to push it down. Testing its endurance.

But it was all worth it when it saw headlight beams dancing over the crest at the end of the driveway. The moment the car doors opened and it heard their voices, the excitement started to kick in. They always ran towards the door - excited to get inside, lost in the dark. The crunching of the snow beneath their feet teased it, signifying how close they actually were. The moment the front door opened, all was right.

For it's family had returned.

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