Answered

The first anxious peep long before the alarm; just eyelids to start, but eventually through the blinds. 2AM, three, 3:30, four. No sign of what was promised the day before.

Go to bed and stay there, you're gonna miss the bus!

The echo of when nothing else mattered--nothing but that one day of freedom. Leaning against the musty backrest of the couch, wearing my underwear inside out as a superstition, begging the black skies beyond the window.

Please, please just fall and cover everything in sight.

The cry of the indolent.

We've traded the hot chocolate for coffee but our desires haven't changed. The pressure builds up until the temperature breaks, bottoming out to turn the rain into a sleepy white blanket.

The effects of this ritual are endless, but there's one priority that clears the top of the list. We called them snowdays when I was the boy slumped against the couch and praying out the window. Now they're called distance learning days, and I'm a teacher instead of a student.

My hopes remain the same; to stay in my pajamas as the morning goes by, unburdened by nothing but the beauty beyond my door.

To drink something hot and rich while I look out the window, tracing the paths of those who wander.

To bundle up and let the flakes kiss my hair as I leave a path of my own.

All districts dismissed this morning due to weather--students and staff be safe and enjoy your day!

Canceled.