Stepping into a winter morning

To The Lady on the Train,

The morning has come bright, clear, and cold; and is in stark contrast to the pool of warmth abandoned in my bed. I have wrapped myself in hoodies and hats and mitts that were kept warm near the forced air vent. Bundled and booted with my four legged companion by my side we step out into the crisp cold, only one of us eagerly. 

Despite my dog’s urgent pleadings, I stand still for a moment. There are only a few brief moments where residual warmth will cocoon you, and I want to savour it. I turn my face towards the thin sun sitting on the horizon hoping that it will be enough to hold off for a moment the bite of cold that I know is inevitable. 

This cocoon of warmth surrounding me is like the way memories of you also hold and comfort me. I am buffered from daily winds that would sting without your warm glow. Even  in your absence I can still feel you. Like the scent of a lover, this blanket of warmth also dissolves, falling from me like mist. 

A tug from the leash and I am pulled away from thoughts and memories of warm beds and warm dark eyes. The tingle of cold on my cheeks wakes me fully, and we walk briskly. 

The Man in the Station