Welcome back, my friend. I'm your host, Joanne, and tonight we continue our journey through the long winter by Laura Engelswilder.

Before we begin, just a quick reminder that if you'd like to support the podcast and enjoy an even more peaceful listening experience, you can subscribe to Drift Off Premium.

You'll receive one bonus bedtime story every week, one early access episode, and help

keep the show completely ad-free so you can drift off without any interruptions.

Now, let's take a few slow breaths together to settle in before the story begins.

Go ahead and find a comfortable position.

Allow your body to begin to relax and soften.

Take a deep breath in through your nose

and then let it out slowly through your mouth.

Feel the way of the day begin to melt away.

With each breath,

your body becomes softer,

quieter, more at ease.

If you'd like, you can imagine the warm glow of a lantern in a cozy cabin.

The gentle crackle of the fire, and the soft sound of snow falling outside.

You are safe here, wrapped in warmth and stillness.

Let the rhythm of your breathing guide you inward, and allow your mind to drift into that calm, timeless place where stories live and dreams begin.

And when you're ready, let's continue our journey with the next chapter. Chapter Chapter 5 After the Storm

On the fourth morning there was a strange feeling in Laura's ears. She peeped from the

quilts and saw snow drifted over the bed. She heard the little crash of the stove lid

and then the first crackling of the fire.

Then she knew why her ears felt empty. The noise of the blizzard had stopped.

...