I hear the wind before I feel it. I step onto the patio, and wind-whipped leaves swirl around my feet. Grey clouds drift in from the west, beating the ubiquitous desert sun into hiding. The unexpected drop in temperature hits my face like a splash of ice-cold water. I pull my worn cardigan tighter. The scent of rain, maybe snow, permeates the air. 
I grab an armful of kindling from the small stack next to the firewood and twist the door open with the tip of my fingers. I push it shut with a hip....