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He was gruff, to the point He was certainly older than ed yet Only the tiniest fehite hairs seeo into the little kitchen, I didn’t see any on his head

“I got lost,” I said “I’m parked down by the entrance to the trail”

“The trail?” he asked as he fumbled in his kitchen I noticed he had a little one-cup coffee s “That’s et all the way up here?”

“I don’t know, really I got turned around”

He ca with the smell of jasmine and honey He also carried a plate with a bowl on it In the boas a stew, and around it was a couple of pieces of bread

“I ht before you ca them in front of me

“Oh, thank you,” I said, taking off hly than I thought necessary

“You’re welcoe of clothes in your pack? Staying in cold, wet clothes can give you hypothermia, even if you are in front of the fire”

“I have some extra socks and an extra shirt,” I said “I didn’t think I would be gone long Just wanted a little hike before the storm hit”

“Well, youto theHe peered out and took a sip of his own et worse froet you back to your car You should probably stay here tonight See what kind of visibility we have tomorrow”

I didn’t like the idea of staying in soht It would be a suicide mission to try to leave now

“I appreciate you answering the door,” I said “I’m sorry to be a burden”

He shook his head, continuing to stare out into the storm