Roland only waved his hand and mumbled in reply. Right now he didn't think he could think about anything to do with winter, or fish, or their own survival. He had hoped the morning would bring a sense of excitement, fulfillment, at finally being able to be with Alexi, but instead it brought only negative thoughts. How long would they have to struggle? Sure, they had food now, but they'd grow tired of fish, of bread. And what would they do every day? It wasn't as if they had cable out here. He had brought a few books, but they wouldn't last long, and most he had read already.

With the dark thoughts in his mind he left the cabin, taking his apple with him. The last thing Alexi needed was him to bring down the mood. The damp grass was cold on his bare feet but he continued on his path, knowing he just needed to get away for a moment, to gather his thoughts, remind himself of why he made this choice, why he left behind his life. With more struggle than he should have, he swung himself into a low branch of a tree near the edge of the clearing, eyes trained on the cabin.