The Sound of Snow

The snow gently glided to the ground and a cold wind blew, forcing Veronika to shiver a little and hold her hot chocolate a bit closer.

“Cold?” a man asked as he passed by her stoop.

“I guess a little.”

“Then why sit out here in such frigid weather?” He stopped walking and leaned on the gate in front of her house. He reminded her of her grandfather for some reason.

“Simple. I love that sound the snow makes as it hits the ground.

The man smiled as he shivered and buttoned up the top of his coat. “I miss that.”

“What do you mean?”

He shifted his weight from one foot to the other. “My hearing isn’t as good as it used to be. I can’t hear that sound anymore.”

“I’m sorry.”

“No reason to be. It’s part of old age, I guess. I remember the sound, though. That’s what makes me take these little walks late at night in weather like this. Brings me back.”

She smiled and took a sip of her drink, knowing full well it would probably burn her tongue. It did, and knew food would taste the tiniest bit smothered tomorrow.

He shifted his weight again. “Anyway, just glad to see someone enjoying a moment while they can. You never know–“

She smiled as the man turned to go.

“Have a lovely evening,” he said to her.

“You too.”