Chapter 2 Bright and early the next day and with nary more than his explanation that an impromptu excursion to the forest would be a 'fun experience,' Haru ushered Miyuki into their car and the two were on their way. The majority of the car ride was done in complete silence. Miyuki had begun the trip by making several attempts to find an answer as to why the two were going to the forest in the dead of winter, but with no real answers given each time the question was asked, Miyuki eventually gave up her quest to find what the reason behind the trip was.

Haru was disturbingly focused as he navigated his way out of the city and through the winding forest roads. It wouldn't take an expert to tell that something was pressing so very persistently upon his mind. The silence was abruptly broken when Haru made a request of his wife. "Miyuki-chan," he said. "Reach into the glove box and get me my lighter. I need a cigarette." Miyuki opened the glove box and, after rummaging through a stack of brochures and magazines, was presented with a pack of cigarettes and a lighter. "What is this?" she asked.

"I thought you quit smoking months ago." "I did," replied Haru, who was now acting very nervous. "But I need one. It'll help me calm my nerves." Miyuki proceeded to stuff the cigarettes and lighter into her pocket. "What are you doing?" asked Haru. "T don't know why you need to calm your nerves," said Miyuki. "We're just going on a day trip. Besides, you should thank me. I just saved your life." "Til just get them later," said Haru under his breath. "What was that?" asked Miyuki. "Nothing." "Any more secrets you keeping from me?" asked Miyuki. "Here's our turn," said Haru.

Without any further warning, Haru took a sharp right and took the couple's suv off the paved road and onto a forest trail. "What are you doing?" asked Miyuki, who was doing her best to keep from hitting her head on the ceiling as the suv bounced violently on the narrow dirt road. "Tm taking us to the hiking trail," replied Haru. "But the resort is still another hour down the road," said Miyuki. "This trail is better," said Haru. "I want it to be just the two of us.

The trails out here are more scenic, unspoiled by human hands and hidden away from prying eyes." Haru had said the 'prying eyes' part under his breath, as not to arouse suspicion. "Okay. I just hope we don't get attacked by a wild animal or something. Then you won't be so eager to be away from prying eyes," said Miyuki, showing that she had most definitely heard the 'prying eyes' remark. After quite the lengthy and bumpy ride, Haru brought the suv to a stop in a clearing and the two continued with their journey on foot. The snow was deep, making it difficult to move very quickly.

Miyuki was doing well considering the circumstances, but Haru was having trouble keeping up. "You have to wait for me," panted Haru. "You're so slow," said Miyuki, who had a substantial lead on her husband. "If you were so eager to take a hike out here, shouldn't you be leading us?" "It's nothing. I just have to catch my breath." Miyuki seemed to have not heard what Haru had said as she was gazing at the majestic trees around her. They towered above the trees found in the city. "I have to admit it," said Miyuki, "I've never been somewhere this peaceful before. It's so quiet.

I could scream at the top of my lungs and no one would hear me." Haru was lurched over attempting to catch his breath. Miyuki reached into one of her jacket pockets. "Here, take one of these pills," she said as she unscrewed the cap. "It'll make you feel better." "No," replied Haru. "I'm just not used to this elevation. My body will adjust." And with that, Haru continued on his way. Miyuki put the pills away and did the same. Further into their excursion, Miyuki had to come to another abrupt stop due to Haru once again falling too far behind. "We should head back to the car now," said Miyuki.

"I don't think you're going to last much longer out here." "And neither will you," Haru said under his breath. "Huh, what was that?" asked Miyuki.