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For the first time in fifteen years, Zaun had snow. Real snow, enough to make a snowman with and create tiny mounds on the flat-roofed buildings. Isha ran out with the other firelight kids to play in it. Jinx was right alongside her, throwing snowballs with terrifying accuracy and catching snowflakes on her tongue. When they came back, cold and wet, they quickly huddled around the heater while Ekko gave them each a mug of hot coffee.
“I love the snow,” Jinx said happily, sipping her drink.
“I don’t,” Ekko said. “Last time it almost killed us, remember?”
She shrugged.
“Never let a near-death experience ever stop you from having fun.”
That was such a Jinx-like thing to say, Ekko thought. Her strength always amazed him, how she never let all the shit she’d gone through keep her from having fun. In the light of the kerosene heater, he could see the red flush on her pale face and how genuine her smile was. There was a time when he doubted he would ever see a real smile from her again.
“You should come out with us next time,” Jinx said. “You’ll enjoy it.”
“I think I will,” Ekko said, pulling her into his arms. “What? You’re as cold as ice. I’m just trying to warm you up a bit.”
“Yeah?” Jinx said, smiling. “It’s definitely working. I feel warmer already.”