Paprika, Moment of Refuge [Remake]

Paprika sat by the crackling fire, off the snow-covered mountain trail, & hunched over her steaming bowl of ramen. Her worn & snow-dusted hooded cloak barely veiled the russet fur peeking out beneath, aglow in the firelight. The cold bit at her, but the warmth of the meal offered brief comfort.

Her paws were a blur of motion—chopsticks darting to her lips as she slurped the noodles; steam rising into the chilly air. Gently, snow fell around her, mingling with smoke from the fire in curling wisps. Her bushy tail curled under her for warmth, twitching every so often as she ate with quiet urgency.

Though her hunger was fierce, there was an innocence in her focus, as if this meal itself was a small victory against the harshness of her journey. The next day, the wilderness would keep up its intractable pace. Tomorrow, relentless wilderness would continue at its own pace. But for now, she had warmth, food, & peace.