Cold Innocence

Footsteps fell precariously in the frozen precipitation as the traveler followed a frequented path. Snow on either side of the adventurer piled higher than his shoulders and caused the fear of claustrophobia to set in. Stairs appeared ahead, and footfalls could be heard behind. He started walking towards the stairs and quickly ascended the few steps to the salted platform. The surface of the landing was covered in a puddle of salt water that seeped down the stairs, where it froze when it hit the ground. The crunch of footsteps hit the traveler’s ears, and he ran up the next flight of stairs. On either side, the shoulder high snow started to decrease in height, the fear that once hit was now gone. With a clearer head, the bundled up journeyer could hear the steps behind him growing in tempo and getting closer. He decided to pick up his pace and quickly cleared the next staircase with ease. The third platform, lined with dead plants half hidden in the snow, extended out further than the previous ones. Benches sat on either side of the large concrete slab with planters in the corners, filled with more dead plants and snow. At the other end of the landing sat the looming presence of a sturdy structure. With a sudden rush of cold wind, the adventurer clutched his jacket tighter, and a shiver slid down his spine. The door on the house opened, and Grandma welcomed the small boy into her loving arms.