It was a Cold Winter Night in the Middle of January

A Story by GlassDaffodils

A short story

It was a cold winter night in the middle of January. Snow fell soundlessly from the black sky above. For now it was merely dusting the sidewalks and streets, leaving only enough on the ground to give the tiniest crunch with every step you take, but not nearly enough to leave a clear footprint. The wind is but a cold breath on the back of necks. It plays with the longer strands of hair that are exposed from beneath hats and are not tucked into scarves and jackets.

People bustle about, trying to get from point A to point B without getting covered in too much snow. Trying to seek warmth as quickly as possible. Gloved hands are shoved in coat pockets; heads are dipped against the cold. Little chatter is exchanged on sidewalks. Instead people make their ways to small shops to continue conversation or simply pass a few words before moving on.

Old fashioned looking streetlamps spaced out up and down the sidewalks glimmer in the dark night. Any trees planted in the cement along the road or in a nearby yard are bare of leaves. The shops that line the streets are inviting to passersby, even those not really looking to buy anything. The soft orangey glow that is cast upon the snowy pavement through the shop windows offers warmth and displays the contents within. Many are still decorated in a uniform style of white Christmas lights outlining windows, doorways, and rooftops.

I take my time walking down the street, peering into shops that catch my eye. Some are worn down and some look brand new, most likely due to remodeling. Some have signs hanging out over the door that can be read with just a glance upwards. Others are painted on windows so one has to turn and look at the sign as well as inside. Some are closed for the day, like a breakfast and lunch place on one corner, while many are still open. Occasionally I step inside a shop to look around. Sometimes I only pretend to look around so I can briefly step out of the cold.

On the streets people bustle around me, not paying me any mind as I leisurely make my way downtown. I greatly enjoyed nights like this and I loved taking my time so everything could sink in. It is always a romantic experience and I longed to share it with someone else. I had been shown this snowy romantic world long ago, by someone who at the time meant everything to me. But they are now gone, leaving me heartbroken and lonely. Although making this journey brings me bittersweet memories I still take it. I can’t stay away.

Many of the shops along the street have changed since my first visit. The downtown had been improved greatly over the months that followed. The streets had been repaved and the streetlamps were an additional and decorative touch to the once plain downtown. However, my particular favorite was still there: the chocolate shop.

It was very popular and had a great assortment of sweet prizes. Truffles and fudge had almost an entire wall length display case just to themselves. In the center a large variety of both common as well as original candies was available to customers to fill up their own bags of how much they wanted. Some candies were chocolate while others ranged from hard to soft and chewy with oodles of different flavors. They also sold gifts such as stuffed animals and packages of already assorted chocolates. In the summer they sell ice cream with homemade waffle cones as well.

Because it had been so long since I had last been, I couldn’t resist walking into the shop and at least looking around. As always, everything looked exceptionally delicious. Chocolate and sweets tempted me around every corner. I finally gave in and purchased some truffles of different flavors. Only when I paid did I hear my wallet screaming in agony over my tongue sighing in delight.

I continued down the street for some time, the cold beginning to nip my nose and cheeks. I stopped in front of a rather new looking café that hadn’t been there before. I decided to step inside and take a look around.

It was very warm inside and I instantly knew I was going to stay for a while. The lights were dimmed, giving the place some romantic ambiance. The place was next to empty. Only two tables were occupied, each by a couple, one by the window and one in the back. Heads were bent low at each table in whispered conversation. The young woman behind the counter was sitting on the stool reading a book. When she heard the door close she glanced up and smiled at me.

After taking off my coat and scarf I walked over to the counter and ordered a medium warm caramel latte with whipped cream. I situated myself in one of the front tables away from the couple by the window. I sat so my back was to the wall and I could look around and see the counter, both couples, and the door. It wasn’t long before the woman behind the counter brought my latte. She asked me if I was interested in a pastry but I declined. She went back to reading her book on the stool.

I took out the truffles and began nibbling on a dark chocolate one with raspberry filling. Occasionally I sipped at the still hot drink. The whipped cream had long since melted. My eyes drifted around the room, looking at pictures on the walls and the dim lights hanging from the ceiling. I glanced out the windows as well. It was still snowing steadily, the white flakes piling up all around. The amount of people on the street had gone down as it got later into the evening, and at times minutes would pass before someone walked by in one direction or another. Some glanced in the window. Others ignored it completely.

When I was almost half way done with my drink I heard the door open then close and looked up. A young guy walked in. He shook off his jacket of snow and approached the counter, with a glance in my direction that was so quick I thought I imagined it. It was 7:20 now and I decided to head home in about ten minutes before the snow got worse.

One of the couples got up to leave. I watched the guy make his order. His back was to me so he couldn’t see me looking at him. He was so quiet with his order that I couldn’t make out what he said. He waited at the counter as the woman disappeared. Resting an arm on the counter with his coat hanging around his other, he looked around the room, his gaze finally falling on me. I quickly turned away, looking intently at my drink.

After a few minutes I decided to gather my things and head out. But before I could stand up, the guy was sitting down across from me. His jacket was wrapped around his chair and a toasted cinnamon bagel was on the table in front of him with a bottle of water. I looked up at his face, which had a small smile as he looked back at me. He was rather handsome and young, although he had a few more years on his face than I.

“I hope you don’t mind,” he said softly in a voice that wasn’t too deep but not too light either. “You seemed lonely.”

“Oh no it’s alright,” I replied. “I was just about to leave anyway.”

“No don’t leave,” he pleaded. This surprised me and stopped me in my tracks. “In truth I wasn’t planning on staying. My house is right down the street and I walked here because I was in the mood for a bagel. But then I saw you and I suddenly wanted to stay for a while. So please make my stay worth it.”

I was wary, but I agreed to stay a little longer. “Would you like a truffle?” I offered. “I got them from down the street.”

He shook his head and smiled. “I know what place you’re talking about. I love getting candy there. But I don’t like chocolate. I prefer the gummies and hard candy.”

“I’m guessing you don’t like coffee either,” I said wittily, nodding towards his bottle of water. “You’re the only person I’ve met who would come into a coffee shop to get water.”

He chuckled and his smile widened. He told me his name, and I told him mine. As he ate his bagel I drank the last of my latte. At first we were silent, not knowing what to say. But then he began asking me questions about me and I returned the questions to him. And soon conversation came easy. We were in our own little world. I didn’t even notice the other couple leave.

“So how long have you lived here?” I asked after there was a lull in conversation.

“My entire life,” he replied.

“You’re lucky. It’s beautiful here. So nice and cozy as a town should be.”

“I agree. I love downtown areas. And I love walking down here every time I get the chance. During Christmas time they put out little dioramas of Santa in the North Pole and baby Jesus being born over by the town hall as well as put these lights up all along the street. This place is my childhood and I love it.”

I nodded thoughtfully, imagining it all.

“You don’t live here,” he said when I didn’t respond. “So how do you know about this place?”

I glanced away at first as bittersweet memories filled my head. “My ex brought me here for one of our dates when we first started dating. It started becoming tradition to come here every so often. Even after he left I come here now and again. It’s so beautiful I can’t stay away.”

“Or you’re looking for him.”

The statement shocked me. “I’ve been over him for a while now.”

“Yes, but subconsciously you might think that if you come here you give yourself a chance of seeing him.”

I looked away again. I hadn’t thought of it that way. I thought I had gotten over him long ago. But maybe I hadn’t and had been lying to myself all this time.

He continued. “I don’t know who he is and I don’t know how he left you or when or any of that stuff. But I do know that you won’t find him here. My guess is that he is long gone and probably won’t come back any time soon.”

I didn’t look up. I kept looking down at my hands in my lap. For some reason tears came to my eyes at what he said, and I didn’t want him to see. But he continued on after a pause, regardless if he saw my tears or not.

“But I’m here. I’m always here. I live here. And I’m not going anywhere.”

His words were vague as to how deep his meaning was. But they got me to look up even though a hot tear was rolling down my cheek. His hand reached out across the table beckoning for mine. I placed my hand in his and he squeezed it before kissing it and laying it back down.

He stood up and put on his coat then threw out his trash. He came back over to me and turned my head, softly kissing me on the lips. My eyes closed as I willingly welcomed him in. He slowly backed away and it seemed like he didn’t want to go as much as I didn’t want him to go. He walked out the door and down the street. I got up and looked out the window as I watched him disappear into the night. The only thing left of him was his footprints in the snow.

I quickly threw away my empty cup, put on my coat, and headed out the door, following the footprints to find him again.