return

The trees were heavy and covered in snow, every bit of the landscape resembled a blank sheet of paper as I moved slowly between the shrubs and bushes. I hadn’t visited for a while, but clearly neither had anyone else. The white covered everything, sparkling softly as the sun spread its warm rays throughout the morning hours.

My feet were deep into coldness, and every step became a struggle as I kept on, walking deeper into the forest. As I reached the lake, nothing remained. The small cabin, the fire pit, the shed with our fishing rods were all gone, buried long ago. I could barely make out small shapes of where we’d once lived, and it seemed a lifetime ago all of a sudden. Even the lake was lost, just part of the scenery now, I didn’t know where it started or ended and maybe it didn’t start or end anywhere by now. As I looked around, I noticed something by the edge of the woods. I got closer, and crouched. There were footprints here.
I squinted slightly, staring into the thick vegetation and saw you there, leaning against a trunk.

“Hello?”

The sound of my voice made you jump, and you looked back at me bewildered. It was as if you’d been here all along, and my presence disturbed your train of thought. “How long have you been here?” I said. “Always.” you replied, no expression on your face. It was a pointed needle now, no longer a confession. “It’s good to see you.” I said and walked over to you.