Challenge of the Week #55: Write a story of 200 words or more about a stranger. The most masterfully written piece, as voted and determined by the Prose team, will be crowned winner and receive $200. Quality beats quantity, always, but numbers make things easier for our judges, so share, share, share with friends, family, and connections. #ProseChallenge #getlit #itslit

Frozen Tender

Snow drifts down lazily on flowing jets of freezing wind. The trees shiver and shake against playful squirrels unaffected by the cold. Human evolution made a big mistake shedding the fur for smooth skin. But, without mistakes there are no lessons to be learned. I'm wrapped up like a pig in a blanket with my green soccer scarf concealing my face and grey beanie pulled low creating a narrow slit for my eyes to see the winter scene. I know her by the red jacket she wears. It matches her long hair. We're walking to the gym and I'm nine steps behind her. I count each one and quicken my pace instinctively. Now, I'm seven steps behind. Every red riding hood needs a wolf. Now, I'm four steps behind. Inside my soul I'm howling. I take the lead and hold the door open. She smiles a sun rise at me that melts the ice I'm slipping on. Luckily, the scarf hides my stupid bearded grin. Underneath that red zippered fur, I sketch the lines of her smooth skin behind closed eyes while blinking away my monstrous thoughts. I've got hungry eyes for this stranger but she's not a snack. I feel so fucking conflicted.