Stay

It’s easy to get lost, even easier when all you can see is a blanket of white. “Classic, typical, foolish,” I say as I berate myself for staying out so long. In another season I would have had no trouble, but now? Today?

I shivered uncontrollably as I tucked my overcoat tighter around my chest. A few minutes prior I had almost given up until a strange glow appeared in the dim.

“Faith,” I gritted aloud. My words froze and stuck to my lips as they passed around me, carried off by the wind. She would always say that when times were tough, when I felt alone. Back when I wasn’t. I shook away the memories as I felt warmth begin to return to my body. A warmth that came as the glow began to draw near.

Musk and sweat filled my nostrils as chiseled eyes beckoned nostalgia. It had stopped snowing finally, and my savior was thick with hoarfrost. I reached out, my eyes giving way as I braced myself upon it.

“Not yet! That’s for later!” She smiled as she slapped my hand away.

“Snowing. I thought it was… snowing?” I asked as I looked about a room and table decorated with lavish treats.

She laughed. “I think you’ve already had too much wine.” She pointed toward the window and my eyes followed. Night had fallen, but it was clear. Perhaps she was right. Of course she was right. Her glass met mine in a crystalline greeting atop a gingerbread house, and smiles caressed our cheeks.

“Can I stay?” I asked, turning toward her beaming face. She gave me that look that told me I was being a fool again.

So yes, here I will stay. If only for now, if only for a little while.