Shortcut

"I know a shortcut," Susanna says. "Through the backyard of my friend's house. They never lock the doors on their fences, we can cut through and be home way faster." She looks like she's feeling pretty cold, her arms wrapped around herself under her breasts.

"Sure," you say. "Whatever gets you warm faster."

"Oh yeah?" Susanna says, a teasing tone in her voice. "I'm glad you'll do anything to get me warm."

You laugh. "Absolutely," you say.

"It's right through here." Susanna leads the way, opening the unlocked door, as she promised. The backyard is dark from the trees covering it, which also means that the snow has barely touched the ground here. Old leaves crumple under your feet as you march through.

You can barely see anything around you, but you're pretty sure you only hear the sounds of your own boots as you walk. "Susanna?" you hiss. "Are you there?"

There's a sort of thump sound and something that weighs at least a hundred-something pounds falls against you. For a second, you're afraid that there's some kind of animal back here with you, one that already took down Susanna and is now coming for you too. When you feel the thing kiss you as you fall back against the ground, though, you realize that it isn't an animal, but Susanna herself. The surprise wears off and you kiss her back, holding her close to you.