Blog : 1224 Dust (December 24, 2020)
Sunset now spent, chilled panes reflected Beth’s bare face against the black night. Enough light spilled from the windows to illuminate the edge of a snowdrift that grew with the wind. Signs of life winked across the lake as families huddled in their homes, warm despite the blizzard. Is anyone else alone? Surely I’m not the only one. It didn’t feel like Christmas Eve. Her family traditionally celebrated on the night before Christmas. Finger foods and gifts fed their gaiety. As children, she and her brother thoroughly shook all the packages in the days before. Anticipation was high and didn’t end with the call for bedtime. In the morning, stockings were miraculously filled with small treats and presents before they woke. This year, Christmas was at her dad’s house. He had long passed by the traditions of decorations and celebrations. She asked if he wanted a tree. He didn’t. He asked in return if she wanted one. “I don’t need a tree, Dad,” she replied. In the m...