The outer world was completely different from what it had been only a day previous. Snow continued to fall harshly across the desolate landscape and obscured your view of the distant hills. The aftermath of the avalanche had left any nearby buildings buried up to their roofs. Jay peered through the thick snowflakes as violent winds blew cold air right through your clothes, leaving you automatically chilled. You quickly ducked back into the tunnel, slipping carefully back through the window where the protection from the wind made it feel much warmer.

"So…now what?"

Everyone looked around at each other, unsure of what to do. Sure, you could finally leave the house, but where were you going to go?

"We need to find other people, anyone who isn't snowed in," you stated, met with general nods of agreement.

"We should split up. We can cover more ground that way; just make sure you don't go alone. I know the general direction to the main office, so I'll go that way," Jay said, grabbing your hand. It went without saying that if you were dividing into teams, you were with Jay.

After a short while of planning out general routes to follow, and how to do so without any familiar landmarks visible, you bundled up to face the coldness waiting for you and made your way back outside. The snow had settled down, and the sun had even peaked through the dense clouds in the sky. You marveled at the white snowy landscape as it sparkled slightly in the sunlight, and you couldn't help but run out onto its perfectly smooth surface in delight, kicking up fluffy plumes of snow as you went.

"WAH–!" You suddenly sunk deeply into the snow, all the way up past your waist.

Jay walked over, looking at you curiously as you struggled to get out of the hole you had unintentionally created.

You paused your flailing for a moment, looking up at him with a pout. "Are you just going to stand there, or are you going to help me up?"

"Hmm… I'm contemplating my options," he chuckled, then held out his hands decidedly befo