Footprints in white

Footprints in white, trailing off into the night. I follow breathlessly by the light of the moon. Hoping to beat the snowflakes falling, that threaten to cover them up. My heart races knowing the fear that must be racing through yours.

Thoughts haunt my mind like monsters stalking me in the dark. Broken tree branches falling on you. Rocks tripping your feet. Places where the forest could swallow you whole. My head turns at every sound. I call out. And listen as your name echoes through the winter air. A siren song blowing in the wind.

Flashlights dance like ghosts in the distance. I left too quickly to take one of my own. Where are you, I ask. God, please. I'll never ask for anything again. Just let me find you. My fingers grow numb inside my gloves and I wonder how cold you are.

Pine needles covered with white powder brush against my face as I pass through a stand of trees and suddenly there you are. Lying face down in the snow. I run until I collapse on my knees beside you.

You're not breathing. Your lips are frozen. A scream erupts behind me and I don't have to turn to know it's your mother. My mouth finds yours and I breathe for you. My hands push blood through your heart. Time stops, I don't. Then you cough. You breathe. I take you in my arms, stand, and rush back over the footprints to get you somewhere warm.