A Shiver
Claire looked out the window, vaguely conscious of the light snow fall. Thoughts streaming through her like the sun filtering through the trees in her view. Usually, she was so clear in her thinking – the images, sharp in her mind. But, today … yes – but, today … damn, she couldn’t even keep a train of thought on what was bothering her.
She felt Ethan’s hand stroke her shoulder, as he whispered into her ear “It will be alright Claire.” She recoiled involuntarily at his touch, which surprised them both. No, she thought – it was not going to be alright – at least, not today.
Now, Ethan was looking awkwardly out the window. Claire hated the feeling she had at this moment – but, she couldn’t stop the overwhelming flood of bad thoughts. “You want me to leave?” he asked. She momentarily whirled around to face him and then quickly turned back towards the window – she said nothing.
Ethan stood there for a minute – suddenly numb – he was just an arms reach from her – yet, miles away. He couldn’t fix this, he knew – he had no magic time machine to go back to yesterday. He slowly turned and walked to the foyer. He quietly put on his coat, wrapped his scarf around his neck and pulled his gloves out his pockets.
Before opening the door, he turned to say it … but, the words would not come out.
Claire didn’t hear the door open, but she felt the blast of cold air hit her and then subside – a shiver ran through her body. She continued to stare blankly at the trees lining the edge of the forest in the back.
The sight of Ethan walking into the woods came into her view – and she began to softly cry. Although she willed him to, he never looked back – and all traces of him were erased by the snow fall quickly covering his tracks as he disappeared into the woods.
Artist: Denise Armstrong; Author: Mike Evans
