Thankfully, Paige doesn’t seem to notice that Noah is awkward—or if she does, she doesn’t mind. She launches into a steady stream of chatter.
“I’m so excited to explore these trails,” she says. “I’ve been reading up on the local wildlife. Did you know that there are over 200 species of birds in these hills? And that’s just in the winter. Oh, and I brought my camera. I hope you don’t mind if we stop for some photos along the way. The light here is just amazing...”
As they set off down the trail, Noah looks a bit shell-shocked by Paige’s exuberance. I trail behind them, careful to stay out of sight. The sound of their snowshoes crunching through the fresh powder fills the air and blocks out my own footsteps. Time for this guardian angel to work some magic.
I close my eyes, reaching out with my senses to the forest around us. I can feel the presence of every living creature, from the tiniest dormant insect to the largest predator. It’s a symphony of life, muted by the blanket of winter but still humming. Focusing my energy, I send out a gentle call, inviting the friendlier animals to cross their path.
It doesn’t take long for the first encounter. A majestic white-tailed deer steps out from behind a cluster of bare trees, its coat a soft gray that blends perfectly with the winter landscape. Paige gasps in delight, fumbling for her camera.
“Noah, look,” she whispers excitedly, her words forming little clouds in the cold air. “Isn’t it beautiful?”
Noah nods, a genuine smile spreading across his face. “Yeah, it really is. See how its coat has turned grayish? That’s their winter camouflage.”
Paige turns and gives him a smile that says she’s happy he shared that piece of trivia. “I’ve always loved deer. They’re majestic.”
The deer regards them calmly for a moment before bounding away into the forest, its movements graceful despite the deep snow. Paige turns to Noah, her eyes shining. “That was amazing. I’ve never been so close to a deer before. Do you think we’ll see more animals?”
“If we’re quiet and keep our eyes open, we might,” Noah says, sounding more confident now that he’s on familiar ground. “This area is full of wildlife, even in winter.”
As they continue along the trail, their snowshoes leaving a clear path behind them, I orchestrate more encounters. A pair of cardinals flit from tree to tree, their bright red feathers a stark contrast against the white snow. Paige’s camera clicks rapidly as she tries to capture their vibrant beauty.
“Oh, they’re gorgeous,” she exclaims. “Like little flames against the snow.”
Noah nods, pointing to a nearby tree. “See that hole in the trunk? That’s probably their nest. Cardinals often stay in the area year-round, unlike some birds that migrate south for the winter.”
“Really?” Paige asks, genuinely interested. “What other birds stick around?”
As Noah begins to list off various species, I can’t help but smile. He’s opening up and sharing his knowledge, and Paige is hanging on every word. This is exactly what I was hoping for.
Their conversation is interrupted by a flash of red darting across the path. A fox pauses to look back at them curiously before disappearing into the underbrush, its bushy tail the last thing to vanish from sight.
“Oh my gosh,” Paige breathes, her eyes wide. “Was that a fox? I’ve never seen one in the wild before.”
Noah nods, grinning at her excitement. “They’re pretty common around here, but usually more active at dawn and dusk. We’re lucky he came out.”
As they continue their trek, the conversation flows more easily between them. Noah points out animal tracks in the snow, explaining the differences between deer, rabbit, and fox prints. Paige listens intently, asking questions. She even asks him if he’s drawn the animals, and he takes the bait and starts talking about what he likes to draw.
The trail begins to climb, the incline making their progress slower and making talking harder. I can see Noah keeping a careful eye on Paige, ready to offer a steadying hand if she loses her balance. I hope she does. It would be perfect if he could catch her in his arms.
Listen to me; I’m acting more like a cupid than a guardian angel.
As they reach a clearing with a breathtaking view of the snow-covered valley below, Noah suggests they take a break. They find a fallen log cleared of snow and sit down, and he pulls out water bottles and snacks from his backpack.
Noah takes a long drink of water before asking. “If you could live anywhere in the world for a year, where would it be?”
Paige’s face lights up at the question, her breath forming little clouds in the air as she speaks. “Oh, that’s a tough one. There are so many amazing places in the world. But if I had to choose… for one year? I think I’d say New Zealand.”
“New Zealand?” Noah echoes, sounding intrigued. “Why there?”
“Well, it’s got this incredible mix of landscapes,” Paige explains, her hands moving animatedly as she talks, nearly knocking over her water bottle in the process. “You’ve got mountains, beaches, forests, all within a relatively small area. And the culture there is so interesting—this blend of Maori and European influences. Plus, I’ve always wanted to visit Hobbiton.”
Noah’s jaw drops. “A Lord of the Rings fan, huh?”
“Guilty as charged,” Paige admits with a grin. “What about you? Where would you choose?”
Noah is quiet for a moment, considering. His gaze drifts out over the snow-covered landscape, a faraway look in his eyes. “I think... maybe Italy. Florence, specifically.”
“Really?” Paige leans in, clearly interested. “I wouldn’t have pegged you for a city person.”
