A Killing Cold

A young girl and her mother are hiding from an unnamed “monster” in a house in the woods. They comfort each other by saying that they’ll soon be going to a better place. The door to the cabin opens, and the monster arrives.

Theodora “Theo” Scott and her fiancé, Connor Dalton, drive toward Idlewood, the Dalton family estate used for holiday gatherings. During the journey, Theo reflects on her red cashmere scarf, recent engagement, and discomfort with snow’s quietness. Connor reminds Theo that she needs to impress his grandmother Louise Dalton, while Theo recalls telling Connor that her parents are dead, though she doesn’t actually know whether this is true.

Their journey is interrupted when a wounded deer, struck by an arrow, stumbles onto the road. Connor swerves to avoid it, and Theo exits the car to check on the animal. The deer collapses but then suddenly rises and flees into the woods, knocking Theo off her feet. This encounter triggers a memory of feeling afraid, though Theo doesn’t remember any details beyond the emotional sensation. Daniel Vance, the groundskeeper, arrives with his dog, Duchess, and a hunting bow, confirming that he shot the deer.