Steps

Her feet hit the pavement, between the melted snow, with soft thuds. Her boots sloshed the slush outward. The bricks were uneven but, she kept her pace. She didn't feel cold because there wasn't a wind this evening. She saw a few strangers walking, nodding at her as she passed silently. She could see the soft glow of lights through the windows. A family was sitting down at the table, having just eaten. She smiled at the sight of them, happy and warm, inside, safe and sound. She knocked on the door and entered without waiting for a reply. She was met with greetings from her friends and their parents. Hugs with warm exchanges of tidings went around the room in between several conversations. In time, their parents went to bed, allowing the three friends to converse privately. They took turns executing their plans for the night. She led the couple out the door towards the port. Choosing to lead, she took the first leap. The couple followed, jumping from raft to raft, careful not to fall into the icy waters. The floats of wood bobbed with each new shift in weight, threatening to drop them but, they all remained safe.

They arrived at a restaurant in town, sitting down to talk with strangers at separate tables. She found someone who she thought looked familiar. Intrigued with his hand gestures and conversation, she intently followed his speech while he paid her no attention. His light hair glistened in the soft light. She watched his freckles move while he spoke. She lost herself, thinking of the universe, each freckle representative of another star.