Harp's Manor

INSTALLMENT XL

December 8, 1928

Harrison and I haven't been particularly productive all week. He didn't want to interview me this week, as he always does that the second week; and I always save (or at least try to- I suppose lately it hasn't been working very well) my short paragraphs from others the second week as well. I suggested working on a few short stories together, but he doesn't feel very much like writing, and his interest in playing the piano seems to have dropped as well. I suppose it's the onset of winter blues, now that December has arrived. I've been feeling rather low myself, to tell the truth. There is just something about the upcoming harshness of the season that drains all anticipation and energy from me.

On Tuesday I had a sudden burst of energy. Harrison and I were in the parlor, watching the thick snow drift down in swarms outside. The sight reminded me of being a little girl and rushing outside whenever the first snowfall of the year came. It wasn't the first snowfall that we've experienced this year, but something about being huddled up and reading with someone in front of a large fire, with the snow beginning to pile up outside, brought back fond memories. I abruptly sat up, staring out the window curiously.

"What is it?" Harrison asked, his eyes still trained on the fire.

"It looks amazing out," I said.

"Yes, it does," he said absently.

"It reminds me of being little and the snow being as tall as me. Did you ever make snow-angels or build snowmen?"

"When I was little, yes," he said. "Doesn't everyone?"

"You know, before it starts to turn to slush and everything becomes all miserable out, the snow is actually very charming."

"And cold."

"That's a given: it's essentially ice. Do you want to walk?" I asked, standing.

"Walk? Now? But it's snowing."

"You have a coat and boots, do you not?"

He glanced up towards the window. I could see the reluctance on his face even before he gave his answer. "It looks like it's storming outside, Rosie. It would be much better to stay in here. Besides, I don't really like the snow all that much. It makes everything look so dull."

"I think it makes everything better," I countered. "It's like a blanket, it hugs the world. Please, Harrison? I won't make you go far; I just want a little brisk exercise, and then we'll come right back."

"But your nose will get all runny, and your face will be sore from the wind, and your throat will be dry. There's no point in going if there's nothing to gain from it, and I don't see anything to gain from a walk in the middle of a blizzard."

"It's not blizzarding, it's a light snowfall. Look; it's barely covered the ground. Does that make you less hesitant?"

"I'm not worried about the snow on the ground, I'm worried about catching a cold. This dreary weather is exactly what brought it about for me last year."

"If you're worried about catching a cold, I don't think you should fear such a thing in this weather. Really you have to watch out for when it's drizzly, which I learned a few weeks ago."

"Rosie, I don't want to walk, and I don't know why you do, either," Harrison said, a little more forcefully. "Come and sit back down. Wouldn't you rather be in front of the fire with me than wading through some early winter mess?"

"If you won't walk with me, I'll find someone else who will," I said, setting my book down on the table.

"Who? Who are you going to walk with?"