Richard

Maya’s hand shivers against mine. “Are you going to tell me where we are going?”

“If I told you, then it wouldn’t be a surprise anymore.”

She rearranges a scarf over her face. Her entire body trembles despite me lending her my only coat because Nikki packed her a jean jacket.

The two pom-poms at the top of her hat bob as she follows me down the busy street. “Does this surprise include something warm to drink? I can barely feel my toes anymore.”

“That’s because your sneakers aren’t meant for this weather.”

“I don’t think my sister had a clue how cold it gets here.” She rubs her gloved hands together.

I should’ve bought her better winter clothes while we were here. She’s trembling like a leaf and I’m afraid she’ll fly away with the next gust of wind.

“You’re not ready for a Chicago winter if you…