The static of the radio on William’s shoulder broke the silence.
*”Mr. Croft? Can you hear me?”*
William sighed, pulling the walkie-talkie off his strap. “I’m here, Isabella. Is everything okay?”
*”Leo is… well, he is inconsolable,”* Isabella’s voice came through, apologetic. *”He woke up from his nap early and he is asking for ‘Dada.’ I tried the blocks, I tried the strudel… no luck.”*
William chuckled. He looked at Victoria. “The boss is calling.”
Victoria laughed. “Go. He probably just wants you to carry him around.”
“You coming?”
Victoria looked back at the view. The sun was hitting the glacier in a way that was breathtaking. “I want to get a photo of this light before it changes. It’s for the album. You go ahead. I’ll follow your tracks. I’ll be five minutes behind you.”
William hesitated. The mountain was quiet. The path was clear. “Okay. But don’t stay long. It’s getting colder.”
“Five minutes,” she promised. “I love you.”
“I love you too.”
William pushed off. His skis carved elegant S-curves into the fresh powder as he descended, quickly disappearing around the bend of the mountain.
Victoria stood alone on the ridge. She took a deep breath of the freezing air, closing her eyes, feeling complete peace.
—