#forecast for cloud computing

[riya2510]

5G System Integration Market Report: Insights, Trends, and Forecast 2022–2030

5G System Integration Market Report – Straits Research

Market Overview

The global 5G System Integration Market was valued at USD 7.76 Billion in 2021 and is projected to grow from USD XX Billion in 2022 to USD 67.16 Billion by 2030, growing at a robust CAGR of 27.1% during the forecast period (2022–2030). The market encompasses the integration of advanced technologies, including 5G networks, IoT devices, cloud computing, and edge computing, into existing infrastructures to enable high-speed communication and seamless connectivity. 5G system integration is essential for businesses across various industries to unlock the full potential of 5G technology, providing faster speeds, lower latency, and more reliable connections. With the growing demand for high-speed, ultra-reliable, and low-latency communications, the 5G system integration market is expected to experience significant growth.

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5G System Integration Market Categorization

The 5G System Integration market is segmented in multiple ways, each targeting specific services, industries, and applications that benefit from 5G technology.

1. Services Outlook:

The services provided in 5G system integration can be divided into three main categories:

Consulting: Consulting services are crucial for businesses looking to adopt and integrate 5G technology into their operations. Consultants offer strategic advice on deployment strategies, cost management, and technology selection.

Infrastructure Integration: This involves the integration of 5G infrastructure, such as base stations, towers, and small cells, with existing network systems. This integration ensures the seamless functioning of 5G networks alongside legacy systems.

Application Integration: This service focuses on integrating 5G technology with applications across different sectors, ensuring that businesses can optimize their operations and communication systems by leveraging high-speed data transmission and low latency.

2. Vertical Outlook:

The market for 5G system integration is further segmented by industry verticals, as different sectors adopt 5G technology to enhance their operations:

Manufacturing: The adoption of 5G in manufacturing enables smart factories with automation, robotics, and real-time analytics, improving productivity and efficiency.

Energy & Utility: 5G technology enables real-time monitoring of energy grids, smart meters, and power distribution systems, improving operational efficiency and minimizing downtime.

Media & Entertainment: 5G enables high-quality streaming, virtual reality (VR), and augmented reality (AR) experiences, transforming the entertainment industry and providing new opportunities for content creators.

IT & Telecom: Telecom companies are leveraging 5G technology to upgrade their networks and provide high-speed internet services to customers, while the IT sector uses 5G to support large-scale cloud computing and data processing.

Transportation & Logistics: 5G supports the growth of autonomous vehicles, smart logistics, and real-time tracking, improving operational efficiency and reducing costs in the transportation and logistics industry.

BFSI (Banking, Financial Services, and Insurance): In the BFSI sector, 5G integration allows for secure, real-time transactions, mobile banking services, and enhanced customer experiences.

Healthcare: 5G’s low latency enables telemedicine, remote surgeries, and patient monitoring systems, helping healthcare providers improve patient care and operational efficiency.

Retail: Retailers use 5G technology to enhance customer experiences through augmented reality, personalized shopping experiences, and real-time inventory management.

Others: This category includes sectors such as education, government, and agriculture that are also adopting 5G technology for improved communication, data analysis, and operational efficiency.

3. Application Outlook:

The diverse applications of 5G technology span several fields, each providing unique benefits for different industries:

Smart City: 5G enables the development of smart city applications such as intelligent traffic systems, smart meters, and public safety systems, improving urban living.

Collaborative Robots / Cloud Robots: The integration of 5G with robotics allows for the deployment of collaborative robots in manufacturing and other industries, improving automation and efficiency.

Industrial Sensors: 5G facilitates the use of industrial sensors for real-time monitoring and data collection, enabling predictive maintenance and improving operations in industries like manufacturing and energy.

Logistics & Inventory Monitoring: With 5G, companies can track inventory in real-time, improve logistics efficiency, and enable faster delivery times, reducing operational costs.

Wireless Industry Camera: 5G enables high-definition video streaming from cameras used in industries like surveillance, security, and media, ensuring smooth, high-quality streaming.

Drone: Drones equipped with 5G can transmit high-definition video and data in real time, enabling uses in agriculture, delivery, and infrastructure inspection.

Home and Office Broadband: 5G enables high-speed internet access for both residential and commercial properties, enhancing broadband services for customers.

Vehicle-to-everything (V2X): V2X technology powered by 5G allows for communication between vehicles, infrastructure, and pedestrians, enabling safer, more efficient transportation systems.

Gaming and Mobile Media: 5G enhances the gaming experience by providing low-latency, high-speed connections for mobile games and media streaming.

Remote Patient & Diagnosis Management: 5G enables remote healthcare services, allowing for faster diagnosis, patient monitoring, and telemedicine applications.

Intelligent Power Distribution Systems: 5G enhances the management of power grids by providing real-time data, improving grid stability and reducing energy losses.

P2P Transfers / mCommerce: 5G facilitates faster peer-to-peer (P2P) payments and mobile commerce, enhancing the customer experience in the financial services industry.

4. Geographic Overview:

The 5G System Integration Market is witnessing dynamic growth across the globe. Key regions and their dominant countries are:

North America: The U.S. leads the North American market with the largest adoption of 5G technology, driven by the presence of major telecom players, technological advancements, and high investments in 5G infrastructure.

Europe: The European market is expanding, with the U.K., Germany, and France playing a significant role in adopting 5G systems, especially in manufacturing, healthcare, and transportation.

Asia Pacific: Asia Pacific is expected to witness the highest growth during the forecast period, with countries like China, Japan, and South Korea leading the 5G adoption race. The region’s strong focus on technological innovation and infrastructure development fuels market growth.

Latin America: Latin America is catching up with other regions in adopting 5G technology, particularly in countries like Brazil and Mexico. These countries are focusing on 5G infrastructure deployment and increasing connectivity in urban and rural areas.Market Segmentation with Insights-Driven Strategy Guide: https://straitsresearch.com/report/5g-system-integration-market/segmentation

Top Players in the 5G System Integration Market

The 5G System Integration Market features several industry leaders who are pivotal in the growth and innovation of 5G technology:

Accenture Inc.

Cisco Systems, Inc.

Huawei Technologies Co., Ltd.

Infosys Limited

Tata Consultancy Services Limited

Wipro Limited

Radisys Corporation

IBM Corporation

HPE (Hewlett Packard Enterprise)

Oracle Corporation

HCL Technologies Limited

ALTRAN

AMDOCS

CA Technologies

Hansen Technologies

Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd.

Ericsson

Keysight Technologies

ECI Telecom

These companies provide integrated solutions and services for the successful implementation and deployment of 5G systems, contributing to the rapid growth of the 5G ecosystem.

Key Unit Economics for Businesses and Startups

For businesses and startups, understanding the unit economics of 5G system integration is essential. Key metrics include:

Cost of Integration: The total investment required for adopting 5G infrastructure, including hardware, software, and consulting services.

Return on Investment (ROI): The anticipated financial returns from deploying 5G technology, which could include cost savings, enhanced operational efficiency, and new revenue streams.

Customer Acquisition and Retention: 5G enhances customer experiences, leading to higher retention rates and attracting new customers through innovative services.

Startups looking to integrate 5G technology should focus on scalable solutions and consider cloud-based integration services to reduce upfront costs.

Buy Full Report (Exclusive Insights with In-Depth Data Supplement): https://straitsresearch.com/buy-now/5g-system-integration-market

5G System Integration Market Operational Factors

Several operational factors influence the 5G system integration market, including:

Technology Advancements: Continuous developments in 5G, IoT, and edge computing technologies are driving the market forward.

Regulatory Challenges: Countries are implementing policies and regulations related to spectrum allocation, network sharing, and data security, affecting 5G adoption.

Deployment Costs: The high cost of infrastructure and integration services remains a barrier for some businesses, especially startups and small enterprises.Table of Contents for the 5G System Integration Market Report: https://straitsresearch.com/report/5g-system-integration-market/toc

About Straits Research

Straits Research is a leading provider of market research and intelligence services. With a focus on high-quality research, analytics, and advisory, our team offers actionable insights tailored to clients’ strategic needs.

Contact Us Email: sales@straitsresearch.com Address: 825 3rd Avenue, New York, NY, USA, 10022 Tel: UK: +44 203 695 0070, USA: +1 646 905 0080

[apieinvestavimapaprastai]

Why Snowflake Inc. Deserves Your Attention: Financial Insights and Stock Analysis

Discover the financial performance, stock price volatility, and investment insights of Snowflake Inc. Learn more about this cloud-based data #CloudComputing #DataAnalytics #StockPriceForecasr #MarketAnalysis #Snowflake #SNOW #VolatileStocks #GrowthStock

Snowflake Inc. is a cloud-based data storage and analytics company. It provides a platform that allows for data analysis and simultaneous access to data sets with minimal latency. Snowflake operates on major cloud platforms such as Amazon Web Services, Microsoft Azure, and Google Cloud Platform. As of November 2024, Snowflake had over 10,618 customers, including 800+ members of the Forbes Global…

[aarunresearcher]

United States green technology and sustainability market size reached USD 6.5 Billion in 2024. Looking forward, IMARC Group expects the market to reach USD 34.9 Billion by 2033, exhibiting a growth rate (CAGR) of 19.7% during 2025-2033. 

[latestmarketresearchnews]

Cloud Computing Market Growth Report 2030 by Key Players, Trends, Share, Segmentation

The global cloud computing market was valued at USD 602.31 billion in 2023 and is expected to grow at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 21.2% from 2024 to 2030. The market is rapidly expanding, driven by several key factors, including the increasing recognition by large enterprises of the transformative power of cloud computing. By migrating to the cloud, businesses can streamline their operations, enhance organizational agility, and unlock efficiencies that drive better performance across all departments. As a result, cloud adoption is becoming an essential strategic decision for businesses seeking to improve operational performance, reduce costs, and stay competitive.

Gather more insights about the market drivers, restrains and growth of the Cloud Computing Market

Regional Insights:

North America Cloud Computing Market Trends

In 2023, North America held approximately 40% of the global cloud computing market share, maintaining its dominance. The region’s strong market share is largely due to its mature IT infrastructure and the presence of leading technology hubs. The U.S. continues to be a driving force in the market, with widespread cloud adoption across industries and significant government support for digital transformation initiatives. Cloud adoption in North America is supported by an advanced, secure, and resilient infrastructure that can support a variety of cloud services ranging from data storage to AI-powered solutions.

U.S.

The U.S. cloud computing market held over 90% of North America’s market share in 2023, making it the dominant player in the region. The country’s cloud computing growth is driven by the presence of the world’s largest cloud service providers, including Amazon Web Services (AWS), Microsoft Azure, and Google Cloud Platform (GCP). These major companies continue to innovate and expand their service offerings, creating opportunities for businesses across sectors to adopt more sophisticated cloud solutions for improved efficiency, security, and scalability.

Asia Pacific Cloud Computing Market Trends

The Asia Pacific region is the fastest-growing market for cloud computing, with an anticipated CAGR of 24.0% from 2024 to 2030. The growth is driven by rapid economic development, an expanding internet user base, and a growing tech-savvy population. This region holds immense potential for cloud service providers looking to tap into markets with a rising demand for digital services.

China

China is the second-largest consumer of cloud computing services globally and is expected to grow at a CAGR of 24.0% from 2024 to 2030. The Chinese government’s strong push for cloud adoption and its focus on technological innovation are major factors driving the growth of the country’s cloud computing market. The presence of domestic cloud giants like Alibaba Cloud and Tencent Cloud is further propelling market expansion, as these companies have strong local market knowledge and extensive infrastructure, catering to the growing demand for digital services.

Japan

Japan is expected to grow at a CAGR of 23.2% from 2024 to 2030. The country’s rapid digitalization across industries such as healthcare, finance, and manufacturing is driving the adoption of cloud solutions. Japan’s expanding reliance on digital infrastructure presents a large market for cloud service providers. However, Japan also faces significant challenges related to cybersecurity, including a shortage of skilled professionals, which creates demand for training and development in cybersecurity practices.

India

India’s cloud computing market is expected to experience significant growth at a CAGR of 26.7% from 2024 to 2030. Factors driving this growth include India’s young, tech-savvy population, the increasing internet penetration, and government initiatives aimed at promoting digitalization. The affordability and scalability of cloud solutions make them particularly appealing to India’s growing startup ecosystem, as well as to businesses across the SME (small and medium enterprise) sector.

Europe Cloud Computing Market Trends

The European cloud computing market is expected to grow at a CAGR of 20.8% from 2024 to 2030, fueled by increasing digitalization efforts and growing awareness about the benefits of cloud-based solutions. The European Union’s focus on data privacy and compliance regulations, such as GDPR, is also playing a crucial role in shaping the market. Businesses are increasingly looking for secure, compliant cloud solutions that meet stringent data privacy standards.

UK

The UK cloud computing market is projected to grow at a CAGR of 19.7% from 2024 to 2030. As one of the more mature markets in Europe, the UK has been a leader in cloud adoption, especially across industries like finance, healthcare, and public services. Government policies and initiatives are helping to drive this growth, particularly with the UK’s efforts to establish a competitive cloud service provider landscape that enhances the country’s technological capabilities.

Germany

Germany is expected to see significant growth in the cloud computing market, with a CAGR of 22.3% from 2024 to 2030. Germany’s strong industrial base, combined with the growing adoption of Industry 4.0 technologies, is driving demand for secure, reliable cloud solutions to support data-intensive manufacturing processes. As one of Europe’s leading economies, Germany is focused on enhancing digital transformation in sectors such as automotive, manufacturing, and healthcare, which is further boosting the demand for cloud services.

MEA Cloud Computing Market Trends

The cloud computing market in MEA is in the early stages but is poised to grow significantly, with an expected CAGR of 18.3% from 2024 to 2030. The region is seeing increased government investments in digital transformation initiatives and growing internet infrastructure, which are key drivers of the market. Cloud service providers are focusing on developing solutions tailored to the specific needs of the MEA region, particularly in sectors such as oil and gas, finance, and healthcare.

Browse through Grand View Research's Category Next Generation Technologies Industry Research Reports.

The global digital transaction management market size was estimated at USD 15.26 billion in 2024 and is projected to grow at a CAGR of 26.3% from 2025 to 2030.

The global data center interconnect market size was estimated at USD 10.12 billion in 2024 and is projected to grow at a CAGR of 13.1% from 2025 to 2030.

Key Companies & Market Share Insights:

Several global leaders dominate the cloud computing space, including Amazon Web Services (AWS), Microsoft Azure, Google Cloud Platform (GCP), and Alibaba Cloud. These companies are continuously innovating and expanding their offerings, making them central players in the market.

Amazon Web Services (AWS): AWS is one of the most widely adopted cloud platforms globally, providing an extensive range of on-demand cloud computing services, including compute, storage, databases, AI/ML, and IoT Its flexible pricing model and massive global network of data centers make it a preferred choice for businesses of all sizes.

Microsoft Azure: Microsoft Azure is a major player in the cloud market, particularly popular for developer solutions and hybrid cloud solutions. It is favored for its integration with Microsoft’s software and services, offering businesses seamless collaboration and productivity tools alongside its cloud infrastructure. Azure’s security features and compliance options are key selling points for large enterprises.

Google Cloud Platform (GCP): Google Cloud is known for its AI, machine learning (ML), and big data Google has also heavily invested in enhancing its cloud infrastructure to support a growing number of businesses needing high-performance computing and data analytics services.

Alibaba Cloud: As the leading cloud service provider in China and a significant player globally, Alibaba Cloud is known for its robust cloud infrastructure and a wide range of cloud services that cater to businesses across industries. The company continues to grow its international presence, offering scalable cloud solutions to businesses in Asia Pacific and beyond.

Emerging Market Participants:

GroundCloud: A newcomer to the cloud computing market, GroundCloud stands out for its focus on sustainability. The company powers its data centers using renewable energy sources, making it an attractive option for environmentally conscious businesses looking for cloud solutions that align with their sustainability goals.

Coastal Cloud: Coastal Cloud specializes in providing cloud solutions tailored for the media and entertainment industry, focusing on managing large media files. The company ensures efficient content production, storage, and delivery, catering to the unique needs of the industry.

Order a free sample PDF of the Cloud Computing Market Intelligence Study, published by Grand View Research.

[researchreportinsight]

Cloud Computing Industry 2030 Top Key Players, Trends, Share, Industry Size, Segmentation

The global cloud computing market was valued at USD 602.31 billion in 2023 and is expected to grow at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 21.2% from 2024 to 2030. The market is rapidly expanding, driven by several key factors, including the increasing recognition by large enterprises of the transformative power of cloud computing. By migrating to the cloud, businesses can streamline their operations, enhance organizational agility, and unlock efficiencies that drive better performance across all departments. As a result, cloud adoption is becoming an essential strategic decision for businesses seeking to improve operational performance, reduce costs, and stay competitive.

Gather more insights about the market drivers, restrains and growth of the Cloud Computing Market

Regional Insights:

North America Cloud Computing Market Trends

In 2023, North America held approximately 40% of the global cloud computing market share, maintaining its dominance. The region’s strong market share is largely due to its mature IT infrastructure and the presence of leading technology hubs. The U.S. continues to be a driving force in the market, with widespread cloud adoption across industries and significant government support for digital transformation initiatives. Cloud adoption in North America is supported by an advanced, secure, and resilient infrastructure that can support a variety of cloud services ranging from data storage to AI-powered solutions.

U.S.

The U.S. cloud computing market held over 90% of North America’s market share in 2023, making it the dominant player in the region. The country’s cloud computing growth is driven by the presence of the world’s largest cloud service providers, including Amazon Web Services (AWS), Microsoft Azure, and Google Cloud Platform (GCP). These major companies continue to innovate and expand their service offerings, creating opportunities for businesses across sectors to adopt more sophisticated cloud solutions for improved efficiency, security, and scalability.

Asia Pacific Cloud Computing Market Trends

The Asia Pacific region is the fastest-growing market for cloud computing, with an anticipated CAGR of 24.0% from 2024 to 2030. The growth is driven by rapid economic development, an expanding internet user base, and a growing tech-savvy population. This region holds immense potential for cloud service providers looking to tap into markets with a rising demand for digital services.

China

China is the second-largest consumer of cloud computing services globally and is expected to grow at a CAGR of 24.0% from 2024 to 2030. The Chinese government’s strong push for cloud adoption and its focus on technological innovation are major factors driving the growth of the country’s cloud computing market. The presence of domestic cloud giants like Alibaba Cloud and Tencent Cloud is further propelling market expansion, as these companies have strong local market knowledge and extensive infrastructure, catering to the growing demand for digital services.

Japan

Japan is expected to grow at a CAGR of 23.2% from 2024 to 2030. The country’s rapid digitalization across industries such as healthcare, finance, and manufacturing is driving the adoption of cloud solutions. Japan’s expanding reliance on digital infrastructure presents a large market for cloud service providers. However, Japan also faces significant challenges related to cybersecurity, including a shortage of skilled professionals, which creates demand for training and development in cybersecurity practices.

India

India’s cloud computing market is expected to experience significant growth at a CAGR of 26.7% from 2024 to 2030. Factors driving this growth include India’s young, tech-savvy population, the increasing internet penetration, and government initiatives aimed at promoting digitalization. The affordability and scalability of cloud solutions make them particularly appealing to India’s growing startup ecosystem, as well as to businesses across the SME (small and medium enterprise) sector.

Europe Cloud Computing Market Trends

The European cloud computing market is expected to grow at a CAGR of 20.8% from 2024 to 2030, fueled by increasing digitalization efforts and growing awareness about the benefits of cloud-based solutions. The European Union’s focus on data privacy and compliance regulations, such as GDPR, is also playing a crucial role in shaping the market. Businesses are increasingly looking for secure, compliant cloud solutions that meet stringent data privacy standards.

UK

The UK cloud computing market is projected to grow at a CAGR of 19.7% from 2024 to 2030. As one of the more mature markets in Europe, the UK has been a leader in cloud adoption, especially across industries like finance, healthcare, and public services. Government policies and initiatives are helping to drive this growth, particularly with the UK’s efforts to establish a competitive cloud service provider landscape that enhances the country’s technological capabilities.

Germany

Germany is expected to see significant growth in the cloud computing market, with a CAGR of 22.3% from 2024 to 2030. Germany’s strong industrial base, combined with the growing adoption of Industry 4.0 technologies, is driving demand for secure, reliable cloud solutions to support data-intensive manufacturing processes. As one of Europe’s leading economies, Germany is focused on enhancing digital transformation in sectors such as automotive, manufacturing, and healthcare, which is further boosting the demand for cloud services.

MEA Cloud Computing Market Trends

The cloud computing market in MEA is in the early stages but is poised to grow significantly, with an expected CAGR of 18.3% from 2024 to 2030. The region is seeing increased government investments in digital transformation initiatives and growing internet infrastructure, which are key drivers of the market. Cloud service providers are focusing on developing solutions tailored to the specific needs of the MEA region, particularly in sectors such as oil and gas, finance, and healthcare.

Browse through Grand View Research's Category Next Generation Technologies Industry Research Reports.

The global digital transaction management market size was estimated at USD 15.26 billion in 2024 and is projected to grow at a CAGR of 26.3% from 2025 to 2030.

The global data center interconnect market size was estimated at USD 10.12 billion in 2024 and is projected to grow at a CAGR of 13.1% from 2025 to 2030.

Key Companies & Market Share Insights:

Several global leaders dominate the cloud computing space, including Amazon Web Services (AWS), Microsoft Azure, Google Cloud Platform (GCP), and Alibaba Cloud. These companies are continuously innovating and expanding their offerings, making them central players in the market.

Amazon Web Services (AWS): AWS is one of the most widely adopted cloud platforms globally, providing an extensive range of on-demand cloud computing services, including compute, storage, databases, AI/ML, and IoT Its flexible pricing model and massive global network of data centers make it a preferred choice for businesses of all sizes.

Microsoft Azure: Microsoft Azure is a major player in the cloud market, particularly popular for developer solutions and hybrid cloud solutions. It is favored for its integration with Microsoft’s software and services, offering businesses seamless collaboration and productivity tools alongside its cloud infrastructure. Azure’s security features and compliance options are key selling points for large enterprises.

Google Cloud Platform (GCP): Google Cloud is known for its AI, machine learning (ML), and big data Google has also heavily invested in enhancing its cloud infrastructure to support a growing number of businesses needing high-performance computing and data analytics services.

Alibaba Cloud: As the leading cloud service provider in China and a significant player globally, Alibaba Cloud is known for its robust cloud infrastructure and a wide range of cloud services that cater to businesses across industries. The company continues to grow its international presence, offering scalable cloud solutions to businesses in Asia Pacific and beyond.

Emerging Market Participants:

GroundCloud: A newcomer to the cloud computing market, GroundCloud stands out for its focus on sustainability. The company powers its data centers using renewable energy sources, making it an attractive option for environmentally conscious businesses looking for cloud solutions that align with their sustainability goals.

Coastal Cloud: Coastal Cloud specializes in providing cloud solutions tailored for the media and entertainment industry, focusing on managing large media files. The company ensures efficient content production, storage, and delivery, catering to the unique needs of the industry.

Order a free sample PDF of the Cloud Computing Market Intelligence Study, published by Grand View Research.

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Cloud Computing Industry 2030 Outlook, Regions, Size Estimation and Upcoming Trend

The global cloud computing market was valued at USD 602.31 billion in 2023 and is expected to grow at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 21.2% from 2024 to 2030. The market is rapidly expanding, driven by several key factors, including the increasing recognition by large enterprises of the transformative power of cloud computing. By migrating to the cloud, businesses can streamline their…

[vastedge330]

https://www.bloglovin.com/@vastedge/2025-trends-for-microsoft-azure-cloud-12827916

Explore the upcoming trends for Microsoft Azure Cloud in 2025. This blog post delves into the key developments and innovations expected to shape the Azure landscape, including advancements in AI, enhanced security features, and new service offerings. Stay ahead of the curve with insights into how these trends could impact your cloud strategy and drive future growth.

[vividverses]

Exciting developments in MLOps await in 2024! 🚀 DevOps-MLOps integration, AutoML acceleration, Edge Computing rise – shaping a dynamic future. Stay ahead of the curve! #MLOps #TechTrends2024 🤖✨

[lqveharrington]

Bus Stop | R.L.

summary: both you and remus miss the bus during a rain shower.

pairing: remus lupin x fem!reader

includes: fluff, strangers being cute, cursing

a/n: i seriously need to finish my coriolanus series help 😭

As a meteorologist for the local news media, you knew what the weather was going to look like everyday. In fact, plenty of people tuned in to hear the forecast just from you. It was something you enjoyed doing, you liked helping people out for the smallest things. You could predict whether or not the sun would be shining to the point where ice cream would melt in an instant, or if it would snow so hard that the roads were to icy to drive in.

It felt nice to be helpful and appreciated in a community you’ve learned to love.

But every once in a while, the computer system the station owned would make small mistakes. There would be times where it predicted hard rain, but instead ended in light rain with little to no clouds. Of course, it was something so rare that you always disregarded it and moved on.

Except for today.

You were standing underneath the thinnest awning as rain pellets fell harshly from the thundering sky. You missed the bus for the first time in years. It was stupidly coincidental that the day the computer system decided not to work was the day you missed the bus. It had shown that only light rain would be coming to your area.

Wrong.

So now you were trapped in a small space until a bus appeared or the rain let up, which was unlikely.

The wind blew harshly on your skin and made the rain splash everywhere. You were getting drenched by the minute and all you could do was wait. Your Mary Jane’s were completely ruined and your tote bag completely soaked, which incased your book and notepad. It was all destroyed.

A frown made its way to your face. You couldn’t even tell if tears were streaming down your face or if it was the rain as you felt your chest constrict. But even the universe had its limits and thought it was cruel to have you all alone in the storm. So it sent you one companion who happened to miss the bus as well.

A man ran over to where you were, his eyes wide in frustration and annoyance. You watched him run underneath the awning with his jacket over his head, which did little as he was completely soaked from head to toe.

He gave you a slight nod and looked out toward the obstructed street view, “How long have you been waiting?”

You blink in confusion before realizing he was talking to you. Heat covered your neck when he gave you an amused grin as he ran his fingers through his wet hair in attempts to squeeze the water out.

“Oh! Uhm, maybe a couple of minutes? Only two buses come down this way.” You look down to your shoes, the puddle underneath rising toward your ankle, although you feet were already drenched.

He sighed and leaned his head back on the brick wall behind, rubbing his palms in his eyes. “Fuck, okay.”

After a few seconds, an awkward silence took over despite the heavy rainfall. It wasn't like you intended for it to get awkward, but standing in a tight space with a man you never met really set off tension.

Yours eyes flickered from the rain puddles to the man beside you. Clearing your throat, you began to speak, but at the same time, the man spoke as well.

“How—“

“What—“ Your eyes widen and the previous heat creeped up to your cheeks. “Sorry, go ahead.”

“No, that’s quite alright. I was just trying to make small talk.” The man shrugged and sent you a small smile.

You grinned back and fiddled with the strap of your tote back. “So was I.”

Despite the attempt, another silence took over. This time, it was less awkward. The rain continued to pelt down and the sun began it's slow descent down when you decided to strike a conversation again.

“What made you late?”

He looked over toward you, his mind zoned out from the pattering of the rain. “Mm?”

“To the stop, I mean." You smile sheepishly and waved your hand around. "I got here just as the bus left, but you were minutes behind.”

“Ah,” He nodded and pushed his hair back again. “My car is at the mechanics and I wasn’t sure when the coaches come around. I guess I was a little off.”

“Just a little.” You pinch your finger together as a small laugh falls from your lips.

A comfortable silence took over this time. You had yet to know the man’s name, but you knew that he was alright to be around for the time being. Who knows if there were weird people out in the rain coming to get you.

The rain only grew harder, causing you and the mystery man to push closer in hopes of staying out of the harsh weather and not freeze to death. Well, more so than already.

“I feel like I’ve seen you before.” The man spoke and glanced at you to see an amused glint in your eyes.

“Yeah?”

He squinted his eyes before snapping his fingers in recognition. “You’re the meteorologist on channel 8.”

You laugh softly and place your hands on your hips, smiling like you would on television. “The one and only.”

“I didn’t think I would meet a celebrity waiting for the coach.” The man chuckled and ended with a content smile, shaking his head at the fact he did meet someone everyone loved.

“Where do you work?” You ask out of the blue, catching him off guard. “It’s only right, you know my place of work.”

He raised his brows like it was the most obvious thing. “You’re on the tele.”

“Same difference.”

You both stared at each other as if you were in a silent competition before you looked away, clearing your throat. Sensing your fraction of discomfort, the man answered your question.

“I work down at the bookstore on King’s street. It’s beside the café.” He gestured toward where he came from and smiled when your eyes lit up.

“Oh! My friend Lily works down there. I love that place, they have everything I ever need in life.” You grin at the mention of your favorite store downtown, but purse your lips when you remember what exactly you had in your tote. “But, one of the books is kind of destroyed in my bag.”

"You destroyed public property?"

"Not on purpose!" You defend yourself and put a hand up, the small smile on your lips showing your true emotion. "That's not funny."

"It was."

You roll your eyes in an amused manner and settle into a short silence. Time felt like it was going so fast yet so slow, and you weren’t exactly sure what that meant. Picking at your nails, you ask him another question he hopefully knew the answer to.

"Since you work with Lily, do you know a guy named Remus? She said he worked there with her, she wants me to meet him."

He raised a singular brow at you and tucked his hands under his arms as the wind blew harder. "I may or may not know. Why?"

"She said we would hit it off right away." You shrug and shiver, causing your body to instinctively pull closer to the man beside you for warmth. "And every time she wants me to go over to meet him, I'm really busy with work."

He hummed and looked down at you, meeting your eyes with pure joy and mischief. "I think that you would hit it off right away."

"You think so?" You murmur, glancing down at his lips for a split second before looking back up to his eyes in shock at your own action.

"Oh, definitely. You'll have the time of your life with his horrid humor." He chuckled as you huffed a breath out, the heat from your mouth shown in front of you.

"As bad as you laughing at me for accidently destroying a library book?"

"Precisely." The man nodded in agreement, pulling you further back into the stop as a car drove by without slowing down. "How long have you been a meteorologist?"

"Oh gosh," You bite your lip in thought and go back to your first time actually working as a meteorologist. "Maybe two years officially? I studied a lot in college for it and was given an internship with NASA back in the states for my last year."

His lips turned-down into a smile, not that surprised by the fact with how much you loved your job. "I'm impressed."

"Thank you." You tilt your head down and look down at the ever growing puddle, sighing at the sight. "Although, sometimes I wish I had chosen a job back in the states rather than come back here."

"Why is that?"

"The weather here is mostly the same all year round. There's nothing too interesting about it." You gesture toward the rain.

As you pointed out the harsh rain you would always report on, the bus lights finally appeared through the thick fog. You shut your eyes in thanks before holding tightly onto your tote. But before the bus got to your stop, you decided to speak once more. Maybe, just maybe, the mystery man was alright.

"I never got your name."

He turned his head to you and shrugged, his brown hair splashing you with water. "Technically, I didn't get yours either."

"Doesn't count, I'm on television." You quip as the bus comes to a stop, but the look on the man’s face caught you off guard. "What is it? Why are you smiling weirdly?"

"I'm Remus Lupin." He struck his hand out and kissed your knuckles. "And it was a pleasure to hit it off with you."

"You're joking." You gape at the mysterious man who you could now identify as the same Remus Lily was talking about. "You're incorrigible."

"And your coach is going to leave you behind soon." He tilted his head toward the flashing headlights of the bus.

You purse your lips and quickly get your body on the bus. You paid your bill and turned around to see him still standing at the stop. Furrowing your brows, you call out to him only to be interrupted.

“Will I expect to see you in the bookstore soon?” He cupped his hands around his mouth to enhance his voice over the heavy rainfall.

A small smile graced your lips as you responded. “Maybe!”

©lqveharrington - all rights reserved. do not copy, translate or share my work on other media platforms

[probablyasocialecologist]

A Generative AI system might use around 33 times more energy than machines running task-specific software, according to a recent study, external by Dr Luccioni and colleagues. The work has been peer-reviewed but is yet to be published in a journal. It’s not your personal computer that uses all this energy, though. Or your smartphone. The computations we increasingly rely on happen in giant data centres that are, for most people, out of sight and out of mind. “The cloud,” says Dr Luccioni. “You don’t think about these huge boxes of metal that heat up and use so much energy.” The world’s data centres are using ever more electricity, external. In 2022, they gobbled up 460 terawatt hours of electricity, and the International Energy Agency (IEA) expects, external this to double in just four years. Data centres could be using a total of 1,000 terawatts hours annually by 2026. “This demand is roughly equivalent to the electricity consumption of Japan,” says the IEA. Japan has a population of 125 million people.

[uispeccoll]

#MiniatureMonday

Epaminondas, by Marjorie Coffey

Looking at the weather forecast, I see cold, I see bluster, I see clouds. Epaminondas will warm you up with its cozy, quilted cover. Although Epaminondas was originally published in 1907, it was told and retold through oral storytelling by Black southerners for generations prior. Marjorie Coffey illustrated this copy with colorful fabric collages that were computer scanned and added to the book. 

As you open to the introduction, Coffey says that the story “brings back memories of summer with my Kentucky-born grandmother. I can still feel the hot dust of the lane on my bare toes, smell the bread baking in the wood stove and taste the skimmings off the strawberry preserves boiling in the kettle.” Children’s stories that are told over and over again like Epaminondas often have a straightforward storyline, but that simplicity allows the reader unique access to memories and sensations of childhood, which are anything but simple. 

The structure of this copy of Epaminondas reflects the story’s hidden depths with illustrated pop-ups hidden in the valley-folds of the augmented accordion binding. As you read on, you may find yourself transported from this cold Iowa February to those idle summer afternoons of childhood. 

Smith Collection PS3553.O422 E63 1998 

--Graduate student, Theo P.

[monster-disaster]

[orc] Zorag Iron - 1/3

orc!Zorag Iron x human!Reader - 1/3 Good to know: enemies to lovers

Summary: You go into the office to help out your father. You meet Zorag.

A/N: My first story in this blog begins in Ironridge with the boss's daughter and Zorag the orc.

The pitter-patter of heavy raindrops echoes in the small building. The drumming on the metal roof is a constant hum in the background. A low rumble mixes with the noises every now and again. It comes from the mountains, vibrating through the air. Another lighting flashes in the distance. And another thunder shakes the office. You can barely hear the clicking of the keyboard as you work on another email. You have to think through your words several times because your attention wanders away from the bright screen every few minutes. You glance at the window again. Droplets run down the glass. Rain cascades down from the dark sky. The light of your laptop highlights the slope of your nose and the curve of your lips. Your eyes seem brighter under the whiteness of the webpage.

Well, the forecast was wrong. You don't even remember the last time you saw the sun for more than a few minutes.

Suddenly, your attention focuses on the tall figure getting closer through the heavy curtain of the rain. He looks like a shadow in his dark clothes and boots. You can't see his face because of the hood of his coat. His movements are fast despite his burly stature.

Before you know it, the door of the office opens and shuts with a loud bang, and the floor gets covered in mud and water within a few moments.

The soaked fabric falls back from his head, showing you his black dreadlocks and frowning expression. You match his reaction.

"Do you really have to bring in all the dirt from outside?" You break the silence first. "Doormats exist for a reason." The small wrinkle between his thick brows deepens. "I didn't know you were here," he grunts. "So if I'm not here, it's okay to be dirty."

Zorag's head already hurts as he stares at you. The persistent throbbing at the back of his skull gets worse with each word you say.

"Why are you even here?" Zorag asks. "There is nothing to do in this weather," he points at the window. The long rows of timbers glisten with dark sheen in the midst of the downpour. Wide puddles gather and shimmer on the sawdust-covered ground. Rolling your eyes, you straighten your posture. "I know that." Your father got sick a few days ago after working in the pouring rain. He is now home under your mother's care while you are in the office, helping out. Even though the other workers can't do much in this weather, you can still get some jobs done on the computer. "And I'm working," you reply to his original question. "But what are you doing here? You know, besides ruining the floor." Your snarky comment meets with Zorag's growl. His lips pull up in a grimace, showing off his teeth and drawing your attention to his teeth. The hoops around the base of his tusks match the ring hanging from his nose. "I came here to make sure the storages are closed and protected from the rain." "Well," you huff. "They are closed. I checked them in the morning."

The orc says nothing for long seconds. His nostrils flare, and his eyes darken. You know he tries to keep his patience in check. Nothing good comes from fighting with the boss's daughter even though you already did it several times and you never used your position against him.

"So you can clean up after yourself and go."

The deep rumble of his chest mixes with the thunder vibrating in the dark clouds. You can feel it both in your bones and between your legs. Your thighs clench for some friction.

"Listen, woman!" "What?" You snap. "It's your mess!"

And damn it, you are right. Zorag just hates it when he has to obey you, especially when your lips curl into that annoying smile that shouts arrogance and victory. His thick fingers tighten into fists. The black raincoat stretches around his trunk-like arms.

"You can find everything you need in the storage room," you add when the tall orc continues glaring at you without saying anything.

You turn back to your laptop while Zorag reluctantly moves to the storage room to mop up the floor after himself. You are eyeing the screen again, trying to remember where you left it, but your mind isn't as obedient as the orc in front of you. Zorag's tall and sturdy form fills the small space. He almost looks comical as he mops up the metal floor. He could break the stick with ease, even in an accident. Small drops still fall from his thick hair, soaking his coat and leaving a few faint marks on the ground.

You should really focus on work. You didn't leave your house early in the morning to get anything done. Just a few emails and a quick check of the orders and deliveries. You should be done with them already.

"Why did you come in anyway?" He asks but doesn't look at you. "You can do them at home too." "I left the laptop here," you reply. "And I wanted to leave the house a bit. It gets boring." He grunts in answer, but you have no idea if it's an agreement or not.

"It's done," Zorag grunts, disappearing into the other room for a second. "I'm going home." "Bye." You don't even look at him. You stared at him long enough already.

The door closes behind him, and you abandon your mailbox to try something else. The messages can wait. Your gaze swipes over the documents with long lists of dates and names. Most of them are familiar. Clients for years.

You pause on a company name in the nearby city with today's date.

Fuckfuckfuck

Jumping up from the chair, you grab your things, lock the door and run out of the pouring rain with a sudden urgency. Your raincoat hangs from your arm with your bag on your shoulder. Your hair and clothes get soaked within a few seconds. The cold drops run down your temple and stick your shirt to your body.

The door of one of the storages opens with loud creaks as you pull on the heavy metals. Your shoes slip in the mud, and you really need all your strength to open the building.

Your day couldn't get any better.

Zorag watches the whole scene from inside his car. He should leave. Why does he care what you are doing in your free time?

"What are you doing?" His voice booms through the sound of the rain behind you. "Oh my god!" You groan. "Why are you still here?" "What are you doing, woman?" He questions you stubbornly. "We have a delivery for today," you tell him, handing him the paper as you step into the building. You are grateful the rain doesn't reach you anymore, but it doesn't matter, anyway. You are soaked. "Leave it to me," he says after reading the paper. "Go home and… change your clothes." You will get sick if you stay like this. You are almost offended as he looks over you with his usual grimace. You scoff. "I can do it." "I didn't say you can't." "Then go home." If you are lucky enough, you will be home before the night falls. It shouldn't take long since the city is close, and you know the way without a navigator. For the orders, a smaller van would be enough with the company's logo on it. It calms you down a bit. You wouldn't feel comfortable driving a bigger vehicle.

Meanwhile, Zorag watches with a deep frown and a light snarl on his lips. His eyes are even darker than the sky outside. You definitely know what you are doing, and for a second, he almost turns out of the building to leave you if you are so stubborn, but damn it. He knows he will feel guilty later. His ma didn't raise an orc who would leave a woman without helping her first.

"Get in the car," he says after a while. "I will pack the things we need. And I will drive."

- Masterlist Ironridge Masterlist Patreon

[myveryownfanfiction]

18+ MINORS AND THOSE WITJOUT AGE IN BIO DNI

tags: @illiana-mystery, @iobsessoverfictionalmen, @lulusplaycorner, @psychokinetic-ectoplasm, @theselfshippingwitch

warnings: swearing

Darren laughed as I rolled my way onto the roof of his winnebago. I popped back up and made a face at him, just grouchy enough to get him to pause before nearly doubling over in laughter.

"Yeah see if its so fucking funny when you have to do it dickwad." I called down. Darren shook his head before climbing up after me. He groaned as he hoisted himself over the edge, having to roll onto the roof as well. I sat in the middle of the roof, watching him carefully. "See? I told you." Darren gently smacked my arm as I laughed at him.

"Laugh all you want. We got up here didn't we?" He asked. I held my hands up in defense.

"You laughed at me first." I said, raising my eyebrows as he rolled his eyes.

"Yeah. Because it was funny then." He countered.

"Oh but now that you had an issue, it isn't so funny anymore?" I asked. Darren flipped me off and I nearly fell over laughing. "Rude."

"Yeah yeah yeah." He laughed before drawing me closer. "Do you want the blanket or are you ok?" I leaned against him happily and shook my head.

"I'm good." I said, glancing up at the sky. "Just need these clouds to pass and I think we'll be alright." Darren followed my gaze.

"Might be a while." He said, glancing at the computer he'd set up earlier in the day. "Looks like the forecast changed a little. Might snow a bit before the clouds disappear."

"Then we'll just have to hop down the skylight and come back up later." I shrugged. Darren smiled at me before kissing my head.

"I love you." He whispered, wrapping his arms tightly around me. "You're absolutely amazing. I don't think I saw either one of those things often enough." I felt my cheeks heat up as I buried my face in his coat.

"Darren." I whined as he kissed my head again. His body shook with ill contained laughter. "I love you too though." I said, lifting my head. Darren hummed before cupping my cheek, kissing me softly. The wind blew through the trees and I shuddered before huddling closer to him.

"Any time you want to head back in let me know." He whispered, holding me close before grabbing the blanket. "Oh. Look." Darren pointed up past the tree line as the clouds started to move. "Looks like we won't be getting that snow after all."

"It looks so pretty." I whispered as I took the edge of the blanket he wrapped around me. The stars started to appear more and more as we watched. The moon appeared soon after; big and full, giving off enough light to just barely see by.

“did you know the moon landing…” Darren started. I groaned and let my head fall back against his shoulder.

“Darren.” I laughed. “Please don’t.” He looked at me with a small frown. “It’s a nice moment. Please don’t ruin it.”

“but the whole conspiracy…hmm…” he hummed as I kissed him. Cupping his cheek, I held tight to the blanket as I tugged him down. Pulling back, I rubbed my thumb over his cheek. “They recorded…” I leaned in and kissed him again.

“Darren. Shut up please.” I whispered, barely pulling back from him. “Let’s just enjoy this moment. The stars. The moon. The company.” Darren nodded softly, eyes slightly out of focus from the kiss.

“ok.” He breathed out. Rubbing his nose against mine, he sighed happily. “I’ll drop it.” I kissed him softly again.

“thank you.” I said, laying my head on his shoulder as we curled up against each other. “Look. A shooting star. Make a wish Darren.”

“I don’t have to.” He whispered, kissing my head. “I have everything I could ever wish for right here.” I looked up at him with a smile, cheeks heating up as he smiled at me fondly.

“ah Darren.” I murmured. He smiled back at me before kissing me again. “Merry Christmas Darren. I love you.”

“I love you too.” He said. “Merry Christmas.”

[fox2656]

The Stillness

Jake and Alex raced along the mountain road. They were late in getting to the cabin they were supposed to be staying at.

Jake fidgeted with the strap of his favorite tattered orange sling pack, which was sitting at his feet. He felt like he was going to have a panic attack. Alex was taking these curves with way too much speed. "Slow down, Alex," Jake said, trying not to reach for the handle. He always got teased for grabbing the handle when someone else was driving.

"Well if someone hadn't turned off the alarm..." Alex glared as he drove.

"Well I didn't think I was going to sleep that late. You know I'm always up earlier than you when I sleep on the floor." Jake looked guilty, knowing it really was his fault they were late.

The clouds were a steely gray, blotting out the sun. An ominous foreshadowing of the storm that was to come later that night. It had snowed the day before in this area, but only lightly. The real storm was forecast to come that night.

"I'm sorry," Alex said, easing off the gas. He was still furious with Jake, but he decided to give him some slack. "Did you bring anything useful at least?"

"I brought a couple of books I need for studying." Jake turned to grab his favorite one from the back seat.

"Wasn't this supposed to be a relaxing weekend?" Alex sighed.

"Yeah well, I saw that you had packed your laptop and some computer parts, so I grabbed my books. Plus, if anything happens, I should be able to... Ha!" Jake pulled out a tattered book that looked like it was from the stone age. It had been re-bound multiple times. This time in a green leather that was starting to crack with age.

"Really?" Alex said. "I think those remedies went out last century."

"Yeah, yeah," Jake said, opening the book. "I plan to cross reference. Apothecary work is constantly changing, but this has been pretty reliable so far. How far away are we, anyway?"

"Should be there in about twenty minutes," Alex said, checking his phone. He had to resist the urge to stretch. Being in the car for five and a half hours was taking its toll. Alex hoped that this cabin would be worth the drive. Work had been stressful.

"We're definitely going to get cookies at the grocery store, right," Jake said, a little too loud.

Alex flinched at Jake's sudden loud question. He looked over at Jake, scowling. "Don't do that."

Jake smiled awkwardly, and they passed the remainder of the trip in silence.

Alex sighed, feeling guilty for snapping at Jake. He was feeling grumpy from the long drive, and he also hadn't had anything to eat all day, because they were in such a rush. It was already late afternoon, and neither boys had had anything at all to eat all day.

The cabin was a lot smaller than they had expected. It belonged to their friend Ryan's family. Ryan had really talked up the cabin, making it sound much more elegant and grand than it really was.

Ryan had described a sprawling cabin, with tons of room. It was actually a one room cabin though. Alex couldn't help but think that maybe Ryan hadn't been there since he was a kid.

"Well this is just great," Alex grumbled as he pushed his car door open and stepped out. "I'm going to kill Ryan."

"This isn't so bad," Jake said, putting his arm around Alex's shoulders, trying to comfort him. "It's...cozy."

Alex just rolled his eyes and grabbed one of his bags from the car. "Come on, let's just get our stuff inside. I want to go get supplies and get everything settled in, before the storm hits."

Jake grabbed a bag from the car and they headed into the cabin. The inside was even smaller than they both expected. There was a couch, a bed, fireplace, a wood stove in one corner, a pail for water, lots of candles, and a bookcase.

" Uhhh," Jake said, looking around. "Where's the TV?"

Alex groaned. "That's what I was afraid of. This place doesn't have power. Let alone running water."

Jake looked horrified. "Does that mean if we have to go, we have to..." He trailed off, letting his thought hang in the still air.

Alex walked over to a window near the back of the cabin. "Nope. Looks like there's an outhouse out back. Lovely."

"Geez," Jake said. "When was this place built? Like 1700?"

"Shut up, Jake," Alex said, rubbing his eyes. "Let's just get everything inside."

Alex walked back out to the car and grabbed another bag. As he turned back around, he saw Jake standing in the doorway of the cabin, holding a book bound in red leather.

"Hey Alex, look at this. I think it's about some knight king." Jake held up the book, and Alex could see a 'K' emblazoned on the cover.

"Ah, great," Alex said as he brushed past Jake. "You can read me to sleep by candlelight tonight. Now go get some stuff. I want to go get groceries."

Jake sat down on the couch and started reading a little bit of the book, completely absorbed in the book.

"Jake," Alex said in frustration.

"In a minute," Jake said, without looking up.

Alex walked over and closed the book, taking it from Jake. "Stuff. Now."

"Hey, I was reading that. How am I supposed to know where I was now?" Jake looked miffed.

Alex looked sternly at Jake. "You can read more when we go out to get supplies."

Jake groaned and reluctantly got up off the couch and headed outside to grab a couple of bags from the car, groaning the whole way.

"Hey Alex? Isn't it supposed to only snow tonight?" Jake's voice shuddered with worry. He held up a hand to try and catch one of the snowflakes falling from the sky.

Alex felt his stomach drop as he went to the door of the cabin. As he watched, the flakes of snow started falling faster and faster.

"Hurry up Jake," Alex shouted as he rushed out to the car and started helping Jake bring things in. Why had they brought so much for just one weekend?

They got everything in, just as the wind started to howl.

Jake looked nervous as the walls creaked from the force of the wind. He wasn't good with strong storms, and being in an unfamiliar setting didn't help. "A-Alex?"

"It's okay Jake," Alex said, putting an arm around Jake and pulled him close, hoping to comfort his best friend. "We'll be okay. It's just wind."

Jake shuddered as there was a bang from outside in the forest.

Alex led Jake over to the couch. He pulled the big blanket off the bed and wrapped it around Jake.

"I'll get a fire going. Just calm down," Alex said, sitting Jake down.

Alex calmly worked on the fire until it was crackling nicely. Then he lit a few candles and sat down beside Jake.

Jake was once again reading the book he had found earlier. He seemed completely absorbed, so Alex gently tugged on the edge of the blanket. Jake looked up and smiled, standing up and unwrapping the blanket from around himself. He sat back down, closer to Alex, and he covered both of them up with the blanket, before he went back to reading.

A silence settled on the cabin, punctuated by Jake turning pages in the book, the sound of the wind howling outside, and the occasional growl of the boys stomachs. There was also another, intermittent sound. It was faint, almost imperceptible. Like branches scraping along the sides of the cabin. He attributed it to branches brushing up against the cabin, but he couldn't remember seeing any trees that close.

"Hey Alex, do you..." Jake stopped himself as he looked over at his best friend. Alex was asleep, his head lolling back onto the couch.

Jake carefully pulled the blanket off himself and Alex, doing his best to be silent, and not wake him. Jake stood up and gently reached under Alex, lifting him. Jake grunted with the effort, his muscles protesting more than usual. "Geez Alex, you weigh a ton."

Alex didn't wake. He simply rolled his head towards Jake's chest and scrunched his eyes tight in his sleep.

Jake felt a warmth grow in his chest. He so rarely felt useful. Getting to carry Alex to bed, and Alex snuggling into him made him feel so good and useful. Although, Alex would kill him if he ever mentioned this.

He knew that he was getting weak because he was so hungry. There was nothing he could do about that now though. Hopefully the road would be clear enough for them to drive out in the morning.

Jake lay Alex down on the bed, and covered him with a warm blanket. Then Jake went back and tossed a few logs on the fire and stoked it until it was burning nicely. He then lay down on the couch and covered himself up.

Alex awoke in the night, his stomach aching from hunger. The cabin was dark, aside from a glow coming from the fireplace. That was funny though. Why was the fireplace so far away? It took a moment before Alex realized he was on the bed. He reached over to pat Jake, as thanks for putting him in bed when he had fallen asleep.

His hand only met empty sheets. A cold thrill of dread slid down Alex's spine. Where was Jake? Did he leave?

Alex sat up and looked around. He could see a faint glow from the fireplace that illuminated the cabin a little. As Alex looked around, he saw a slight movement from the couch. He realized it was Jake, asleep on the couch.

"You idiot," Alex muttered. He got up, shivering. He would deal with Jake later. It really was too cold for Jake to be sleeping on the couch, though. They should really share a blanket for warmth.

Alex tossed a few logs on the fire and stoked it until it was burning brightly.

He looked back at Jake and could see him shiver in his sleep. The blanket that was covering him was much thinner than the one on the bed.

"Come on buddy," Alex said, picking Jake up. Jake wrapped his arms around Alex's neck in his sleep. Alex just rolled his eyes, and carried Jake to the bed, and gently laid him down and covered him up with the thick blanket. "Sweet dreams buddy."

Alex was getting ready to get in bed himself, but then his stomach suddenly turned on him. "Not now..." Alex groaned and ran for the door. He used his phone light to find the outhouse, and he made it just in time. Thankfully, the outhouse wasn't very far from the cabin. The wind was still blowing snow, but it wasn't as bad as earlier.

After Alex finished, he headed back to the cabin. He noticed something move up in the trees. It was too dark to see what it was though.

He slipped his shoes off, and tossed a few more logs on the fire. Some movement caught his eye from the window, but it was too dark to see much. Probably just an owl. He then headed over to the bed, shoved Jake away from the middle, and climbed under the blanket and was soon fast asleep.

Jake was in the woods. He was running through the snow in the dark, being followed by something. He couldn't see what it was. The moon wasn't shining, and it was moving too fast.

Suddenly, Jake felt himself flying through the air. Then he landed on something soft, and he now felt safe.

Jake awoke, after hitting the floor. "Owww." Jake looked around, wondering where he was. It took several minutes before he realized that he was in the cabin, and everything came flooding back. His stomach growled and he patted it, gently. He was also starting to feel somewhat weak.

Jake inspected the bed to see what had caused him to fall out of bed. Space heater Alex had scooted over the middle part of the bed, probably looking for warmth, since it was so cold. He must have pushed Jake away when he had gotten warm enough, causing Jake to fall out of the bed. Jake rolled his eyes at the thought. That was definitely a new one.

Jake looked over to the fireplace. The fire had completely gone out, and the embers were cold. The pile of wood beside the fireplace was dwindling, too. He hoped that there was more wood stacked up outside.

That's when he noticed the sky. It wasn't near dawn. It was just cloudy. At least the snow had let up though.

Jake picked up his phone and saw the time. It was almost noon. They had slept for that long. His phone battery was less than half. So he turned his phone off and put it in his bag.

Jake stood for a moment, wondering what to do. Aside from being hungry, he was mostly just bored. He knew they would need water at some point though, so he grabbed two glass jars that were in a cabinet near the wood stove. He opened the door and shivered. It was so very cold. He leaned down and scooped up some snow in each jar, and brought them inside.

Jake then lit a small fire, trying to conserve wood, while still giving some heat, while he went out to see if there was another wood stack.

Once the fire was crackling, he silently bundled up as best he could, using Alex's jacket, as well as his own, and he stepped out into the cold.

Everything was so still. The snow had that effect on the world. Jake gazed around, taking in the scenery. Then off to his right, he heard a scaping sound. He spun in that direction, and he glimpsed something black slide out of sight around the side of the cabin. It was too quick for him to know what it was though.

Jake raced through the snow as quickly as he could. When he turned the corner, there was nothing there. He stood a moment, puzzled. What could that have been?

Jake found just what he was looking for though. A large pile of firewood under a tarp. He grabbed an arm full, thinking they were at. Then his heart sank. The were termites milling around, on the rest of the wood. "Crap," Jake muttered.

Suddenly, there was an eerie groan from the woods. Jake spun towards to sound, and saw a large shadow quickly dart out of sight.

There was nothing Jake could do about it. So he just headed back inside the cabin with the wood he had.

Back in the cabin, Alex was looking at his phone. He glanced up as Jake came in, and Jake could tell that Alex was in a bad mood. Alex was worried about his family. He didn't want them thinking that he was ignoring them in favor of Jake. There was a lot of animosity between his siblings and Jake. He was regretting not even trying to invite any of them to assuage their thoughts.

"No signal?" Jake asked casually.

Alex looked up at him annoyed. "No."

Jake walked over and patted Alex gently on the shoulder and Alex pulled away.

"Don't be like that buddy," Jake said, feeling hurt.

"Well if you hadn't turned off the alarm, we wouldn't have gotten here so late. I could have called my family when we went out. Now we're stuck here, and they might be getting the wrong idea. It's your fault." Alex looked balefully at Jake.

Jake just sat there, stunned. This wasn't like Alex. "Al, you know it's not..."

"Don't call me that. You know I hate that!" Alex lashed out. "Do you know how long it took me to get my family to stop calling me that?"

Jake scoffed, feeling his own frustration growing. "Yeah, cause that's all you care about. Your family. Sure you love me too, but they're so much more important."

"Well at least none of them has tried to kill themselves." Alex said, frustration rising.

Jake's expression went blank. His hand strayed to his wrist. The scars were only slightly visible now, and they ached occasionally. Alex's comment made them tingle slightly. "Okay. I... If that's really how you feel... Maybe I should try again."

Alex scoffed and smiled sadistically. "Yeah. You did such a great job last time. Maybe you could do better this time."

Jake was stunned. Then his brows furrowed in rage. "*bleep* you Alex Basil Stone."

"JACOB MICHAEL TURNER! LANGUAGE!" Alex shouted.

Jake just grinned, knowing that he had hit a nerve. "Θα το ήθελες στα ελληνικά; Или вы предпочитаете на русском? Я могу сделать и то, и другое."

Alex stepped forward and smacked Jake so hard, he fell to the floor, hitting his head on the hearth.

Jake pulled back in pain and touched his hand to his head. There was only a little blood, but it was enough. Alex's eyes went wide and they started to fill with tears. "Jake... I'm so sorry."

"I'm leaving," Jake said, getting to his feet.

"Jake no. It's freezing out there." Alex grabbed Jake's arm, but he pulled away sharply.

"Don't touch me," Jake said, refusing to look at Alex. He walked out the front door, and into the snow.

Jake stumbled along, his face burning from the smack. He tried not to think. Thinking just brought back the tears which blurred his vision.

He knew that he was in the wrong, just as much as Alex was.

After wandering a while, Jake finally sat down. The cold wasn't bothering him. Not much at least.

Suddenly, there was a rustling coming from the trees nearby. Jake looked in that direction, fearfully, wondering what he might see. There was some there. Something big and dark. He squinted, stepping forward, trying to figure out what it was. He could see the trees in front of him, but this thing. It was too far away to see clearly. The wind making snowflakes fall wasn't helping, too. Why hadn't he grabbed his glasses from his bag before he headed out. He hated those, that's why. That's why he had gotten Alex to drive. He always had to wear them when he drove, and he just felt so self-conscious with them on.

Then he heard his name coming from the way he had come. He stood and looked back in the direction he had come from. He looked back to where he had seen the shape, but it was gone. What could it have been?

Jake wiped his eyes, his hands so cold, the contact with his face made him wince. He started walking back, starting to get worried. He realized he was still wearing both of the jackets, and they hadn't brought any extras.

The snow was just deep enough to make walking hard. He had no idea how he had gotten this far this fast. Jake followed his own footprints, knowing Alex would be following his footprints as well.

After a few minutes, Jake finally caught sight of Alex. He was wearing pants and a t-shirt, while Jake had both of the jackets.

Once they both saw each other, the two boys quickened their pace and soon, Alex wrapped his arms around Jake.

"Im so sorry Jake," Alex said. His voice was thick with emotion, and Jake could tell that Alex had been crying.

Jake didn't hug Alex back at first. He was feeling very reluctant to admit that he was in the wrong.

Alex started to sob, his head against Jake's shoulder, and Jake started to soften. He could feel a lump rising in his throat as he hugged his best friend back. Jake reached up and patted Alex's head. "I forgive you buddy."

"Thanks," Alex said, pulling back. His face was red and streaked with tears. His eyes red and puffy. Jake had never seen Alex this way before.

Jake noticed Alex start to shiver. "Crap. Here." Jake pulled off both jackets and put them around Alex's shoulders. Jake flinched as a gust of wind blew, the icy cold feeling like a thousand needles pricking his arm.

"What about you," Alex said, wiping his face.

"Don't worry about me," Jake said, crossing his arms. "You came all the way out here barely dressed. I can deal with it going back."

Alex rolled his eyes and chuckled softly. "I was not barely dressed. I just didn't have my jacket."

Jake's expression softened a little. "Well, you might as well have been naked." He shivered again.

"Come on, let's get back," Alex said. "It's too cold to be out here, and you should clean that cut on your head."

Jake nodded and reached up and felt the cut on his head. It was shallow and not very long, but it had bled enough to make a small mess. Suddenly, out of the woods came a red fox. It was running, a look of excitement on its face. Behind it, a big gray wolf came bounding through the snow. It looked like it was having fun. The two stopped and looked at Jake and Alex, seeming curious. Jake raised a hand and waved at the two animals. They started to approach, seeming friendly enough, when their ears perked up, looking from the way Jake had come. There was an ear piercing roar that seemed to almost shake the earth. Jake and Alex froze, the blood draining from their faces. That didn't sound like anything either of them had ever heard before.

The fox and the wolf bounded off into the forest, much faster than they had arrived. Jake and Alex took that as their cue, and they ran as fast as they could for the cabin.

Back at the cabin, they locked and barricaded the doors the best they could. They were both still terrified, but trying not to show it.

After they did all they could, they built up the fire a little, grabbed a blanket, and sat down on the couch.

"Crap," Alex said, when he looked over at Jake. "I forgot about your head."

"It's okay," Jake said. Alex was already up though, rummaging around in Jake's bag for supplies.

Alex slowed, and looked over at Jake, looking disappointed. "Really?"

"What?" Jake said, looking puzzled.

Alex held up a box of bandaids with cute cartoon cats on them.

Jake chuckled nervously. "Th-they're cute. I just had to get them."

Alex rolled his eyes and took the box off bandaids, and Jake's iodine salve from the bag. He then got a rag and got it wet, and cleaned Jake's forehead.

"Hold still," Alex said as he cleaned Jake's head.

Jake squirmed and winced. "Owww. Be careful."

"Yeah well, you're really not gonna like me when I use this." Alex took the lid off of the iodine salve.

Jake's face blanched. "C-couldn't you just put on a bandaid without that?"

Alex looked at Jake sternly. "Nope. I'm not going to risk you getting an infection. Now hold still." Jake tried to get away, but Alex pinned Jake to the couch, and applied iodine salve to Jake's wound. Jake squealed and writhed in pain.

"There, all done," Alex said, when he had applied the bandaid. Jake looked up tearfully, and Alex pulled Jake up into a sitting position. "You'll be fine.

The two boys then huddled under the blanket, trying to warm up, still thinking about the sound from the woods. Neither of them spoke, however. Speaking about it would make it feel too real.

As they sat, the sky went from a light gray, to a blue, streaked with orange, as the clouds broke and the sun started to set.

As the darkness settled in, they lit candles and built up the fire, hoping to keep as much warmth in the cabin for the night.

"There isn't any more wood," Jake said, as they tossed a few logs on the fire. There were still several left in the cabin, but Alex understood well enough.

"We'll just have to try and get out in the morning and get help." Alex said, trying to sound hopeful.

Jake just nodded. "I'm hungry."

Alex pulled Jake close and rested his head on his best friend's head. "Me too buddy. Me too. Let's go to bed. That way the morning will get here faster and we can get out of here. It's gonna be a long walk."

Jake just nodded and he tossed the remaining wood on the fire.

Alex put all of the blankets on the bed, and climbed in. Jake climbed in as well, trying not to get too close. Alex lay a moment, before he finally scooted closer to Jake.

"Don't get used to this," Alex said. "It's too cold for us to worry about being awkward."

Jake couldn't help but smile. He loved Alex's hugs, and being those close to sleep was just as good. They hadn't slept this close since they were little. It really brought back memories. Happy memories from time long past. Jake also couldn't help but hope that he didn't accidentally kick Alex in his sleep. This thought made him want to giggle, but he stifled it, knowing Alex would know what he was thinking, and pull away.

The two boys drifted off to sleep, the crackling of the fire in the fireplace soothing them.

Jake awoke in the night, his stomach growling. Alex still snored on next to him. Jake had no idea what had woken him. The blankets were so heavy, but so warm. Jake sat up and looked over to the fireplace, he saw two embers hanging in the air outside the window. They must have floated down after exiting the flue.

Jake realized how far from the fireplace these embers really were. They were even placed far enough apart to look just like a pair of eyes. He chuckled softly at this and Alex stirred slightly, but he didn't wake. Jake looked back at the "eyes", thinking how amusing it was.

After a few seconds, Jake started to feel unsettled. The embers weren't moving. They just stayed there, and he couldn't help but feel that they were watching him.

A sudden sense of dread started to slide down Jake's spine. There was a scraping on the side of the cabin, near the window. A lot shifted in the fireplace, and the fire flared up a moment. From the sudden glow, Jake saw something white between the two glowing eyes. It was too blurry to tell what it was, but he had heard the legends.

Jake screamed, realizing that he was looking at. He scrambled backwards, bumping Alex in the process.

Alex woke with a start and pushed himself up. "Jake! What's wrong? Jake!" Alex shook Jake's shoulders, trying to get his best friends attention.

"It's... It's watching us," Jake said, now sobbing. He looked absolutely terrified as he stared at the window.

Alex looked to where Jake was looking, but there was nothing there.

"Jake...?" Alex looked at Jake, concerned.

Jake sobbed and hugged Alex tight.

"It's okay," Alex said, patting Jake on the back. "It was just a nightmare. Don't worry, I'm here. I won't let anything get you."

Jake sobbed and pulled back, looking at Alex. "No. It was there. It was a..." Jake was too scared to say the name, but Alex understood what he was thinking.

"That's not real," Alex said. "You're just hungry Jake, and your imagination is playing tricks on you." Despite his words, Alex couldn't help but doubt what he was saying. What if he was wrong?

"No, it was real," Jake pleaded. "That's what we heard in the woods."

Alex put a hand on Jake's shoulder, trying to reassure him. "No buddy, that was probably a grumpy bear or something." Alex was trying to convince himself as well as Jake.

Jake just nodded, knowing he would never be able to convince Alex. So he just lay down again, and Alex followed suit. Jake scooted close to Alex, basically snuggling against him. Alex felt annoyed, but he allowed it. Things had been so rough the past few days that he felt like he owed Jake.

The two boys drifted back to sleep again, and didn't awake again until morning.

In the morning light, Jake opened his eyes. It was far too bright. He turned to look at Alex, but Alex wasn't there. Jake quickly sat up, and he saw Alex standing by the front door, taking off his shoes.

Alex smiled weakly. "Good morning buddy."

Jake just waved and slipped out of bed. His legs were getting weak, but he could stand. "What were you doing?"

Alex looked disappointed. "I was trying to get a signal to call for help. No luck though."

Jake just nodded. "Maybe we should just start walking."

Alex nodded grimly. "Nothing else to do."

The two boys bundled up as best they could, wearing all of the clothes they had brought. They left everything else, but Alex handed Jake his glasses.

Jake groaned, not wanting to wear them. "Please don't make me."

Alex looked sympathetic, but he just pressed the glasses into Jake's hand. "I need you in top form. Or at least as close to that as we can get."

Jake groaned again, but he reluctantly put on the glasses. He knew Alex was right.

The two boys set off down the road they had driven up on. The air was so still. As if nothing wanted to move. Not even the birds were singing. They were looking down at their feet, hoping not to trip, when suddenly they noticed giant footprints that seemed to be going in the direction they were going, and a shadow on the snow.

They both looked up and saw the creature. It had to be at least ten feet tall. Its back was to them, but they could still see how emaciated it was. It even looked like it might be rotting away. Jake could see the antlers on its head.

Then their worst fear came true. It slowly turned and looked at them. It's eyes glowed red out of the deer skull it had for a head.

Jake and Alex stood frozen in horror. The wendigo reached up a hand and pointed towards Jake. He felt his heart sink, knowing he was about to die.

The creature started to step forward, when it froze in place and then it turned its head as if listening to something.

It didn't have lips, or other facial features, but the boys could tell that it was scowling in frustration.

It let out a deafening roar, and then it shot off into the trees, faster than Jake and Alex could imagine. It's footprints seemed to fade right before their eyes, as they heard what the creature had heard. There was the sound of an engine coming towards them.

They stood frozen in place, as a bundled-up man on a four-wheeler came into view. He pulled up beside Jake and Alex, who still hadn't moved.

"Thank goodness," the man said. "Your friend called us and told us that you had come up here, but that he hadn't heard from you. With the blizzard, and no one having seen you in town, we were all worried."

Jake and Alex finally broke down, their hunger forgotten. They were just happy to have finally gotten rescued.