Frozen Homecoming

The office was empty.

Sadie took out a black backpack and filled it with high-energy foods. Compressed biscuits, chocolate, and energy bars, along with some alcohol, painkillers, and anti-inflammatory medicine.

"Mom, please be careful," Sadie urged.

"I will."

Diane looked at her daughter, her heart aching as if pricked by countless tiny needles.

She didn't want her daughter to take such risks, but