In A Snowglobe

Things seem less important when I'm sitting in the hot water, watching snowflakes drift past. No word had been exchanged for just long enough for the silence to weigh heavily on us both. But, trying to pierce the shifting cloud to see what lay beyond, I felt strangely at peace.

We were alone in the world, under a wooden canopy, I could envision us in a snow globe with only the swirling snow and gentle wind to keep us company. Just out of sight, the others slept the frigid night away, but for us, there was only the now.

She coughed, coming back to herself and I turned my attention to focus on her elfin features. That cough carried away my sense of isolation, brought me back to Earth. Reminded me that I was not alone, and that she was there, ready to listen.

I had nothing more to say, but our silence changed. We let the wind, as it momentarily changed direction and shattered the steam, carry away our awkwardness. We were alone in the world but, together in that moment.

Smiling at her, I let her know that there was no need to speak. No need to do more than sit and enjoy the contrast of hot, bubbling water and icy wind.

Hot tub therapy, I thought to myself as she handed me a drink, everyone should try it. Then I remembered that we had to walk back to the cabin through the snow.

Well, maybe not everyone.