Dead Winter

The path was long and winding; the snow falling, not making a sound. His hands thrust deep in his pockets. He hated being here with the wind howling all around. His fingers clasping a golden locket. The snow made it hard for him to see. The ice wanted to freeze his tears. He didn’t think he could stand this pain. They had been together so many years. The trees met overhead, the snow had difficulty getting through. He didn’t find relief though; the wind cut like a knife too. She was dead. he had to accept it and the time of year was here. How many had it been he didn’t know, but it was definitely more than a year. It was here again, and it was a night like this, fighting the falling snow. She told him it was over on this very spot, where their love did grow. The fight they had it was vile, he could not stop, and she pulled away. She tried to run, he could see in her eyes, but then he made her stay. He grabbed at her, the necklace broke and she let out a cry. His fingers clasped the knife handle, even though he didn’t know why. It suddenly flashed as though with a life of its own, and the snow at her feet went red. He looked at her beautiful body lying there, and he knew that second she was dead. He came back every year, always surprised, that they had never found her When there she was standing, beckoning him, the snow swirling around her. He rushed to where she stood; he knew the spot so well. Her arms were open wide, his breath seemed to stop, his chest began to swell. Was this forgiveness, was this release, would he now be able to sleep? She was here, his mind he thought he was losing; he might be able to keep. He held out the necklace, still with the broken chain. She wrapped her arms around him and they were suddenly one again. His feelings, were in turmoil, he didn’t know how this could be Then he felt his blood begin to boil, and surround him like a red sea. Her smile was wide; an icicle glinted as it entered his heart so deep She said you are with me now, but I promise you will never sleep. Entry for Dead winter Written By: Mandy Tams