Mary had always been a bit of a loner, preferring the quiet and solitude of the woods to the hustle and bustle of the city. She had moved to the cabin shortly after her husband's death, seeking solace in the peaceful surroundings.

At first, Mary loved the cabin and the sense of freedom it gave her. She spent her days hiking through the woods, gathering firewood, and tending to her garden. She was self-sufficient and content, enjoying the simple pleasures of life.

But as the winter approached, Mary began to worry. The cabin was small and poorly insulated, and she knew that a heavy snowstorm could leave her stranded for days, maybe even weeks. She stocked up on non-perishable food and firewood and made sure her snow shovel and other tools were in good repair.

When the storm hit, it was worse than Mary could have ever imagined. The winds were howling and the snow was coming down in sheets, making it impossible to see more than a few feet in front of her. Mary knew she had to huddle by the fireplace and wait it out.