Toasty Autumn at Winter o'clock

TAWO'clock - Tale

Clock ticks ever so slowly..

...stealing glances every second, moving along with the last few taps and clicks, finally saving the last file before shutting the computer. Folders and papers neatly placed on the side; small other things all organized.

Wearing the coat as the bag is being held to one hand, pushing the chair back to its placed. Placing back the card with the time of clock-out in the desk, strode towards the front.

One step out and a huff of relief was given, wrapping the scarf tightly as if securing the warmth within.

~

Quick-!

-- yet careful steps, now under the shed standing, patiently waits along with the rest while placing the free hand inside the pockets in hopes to feel the mild from the hot packet.

Once settled by the window, moving along on their way, watching outside, seeing the grey path now blanketed with white, stalls decorated with plastic greens, styled with colorful ornaments and glimmers.

The rush had been the same...but more.

Some were getting last minute gifts, others checking out their pastries and sweets. Little giggles and laughter being shared to one another, taking snaps to keep, and be looked back to forever.

A turn round the corner, by the heart of the famous plaza, a grandiose pine of age, dressed in decors and of white, standing with a crown, a type of note, none could ever miss, with lively melody and carols underneath, echoing around the city, probably across the world, making the season ever so beautiful.

With the stop at a post, taking each step forward on the sheets of cold cotton-like, leaving a foot mark of grey behind, passing by the lone barks of trees, an empty playground on one, frozen pond on the other.

One, two, three, four... 

...smoke comes along after the sigh, another set of steps to count and done.

Lifting up to see, the once purple shaded sky had now turned dark. Slowly, bits of flakes showering the surrounding, another layer to pile up above the duvet of piled cold crystals.

The street is quite empty and silent, yet, chortles and cheers being shared on each roof, lighted up with reunion that ever so waited for the entire round, sounding so warmly over the chills of the night. 

~

Fumbling over, trying to turn the key, soon the doors opened, creating a creek sound.

Flips the switch, dusting off the now melted flakes, placing the almost worn-out shoes to its place, hanging the coat by hook.

Light footsteps being taken, wet prints left behind.

Moving up stairs, quick but not in a rush, taking off the rest before standing under a warm rain of shower as the steam surrounds the room. In a pair of hoodie and sweatpants, dashing back down to the kitchen and made sure to make some hot drinks before moving to the living room, lit up some wood, though the cold and crispy had died down for the moment, wanting the coziness surrounds the area.

Having an idea, somehow felt giddy, moving the coffee table a bit forward, turning the couch on the side, a smile curved in satisfaction.

Sauntered from the counter, placing the cup of sweet cocoa with a fluffy marshmallow on top, settling by the table, the duvet being wrapped around the exhaustion, sinking the back with a stretch to comfortableness as legs folded with palms stroking the arms, resting the head by the corner.

~

Sea of stars glimmers, twinkling along the moon that shines bright at the beautiful and calm sky as cottons lightly showers the night.

The coldness are nowhere to be gone despite of the warmth within the closed door, by the fireplace with warm drink by the table under the duvet. Peaking over the time, a minute to wait before midnight. Crackling sound from the lit wood, the silence lulled with the darkness and mellow.

Even so, calmly, closing the tired eyes, worn-out body, slowly drifting into sleep,

"Merry Christmas, Love", mumbled out and soon to dream.

Then...

A pair of arms, hands clutched together, trapping the smaller one into its own, snuggled together.

"I'm home...", whispered to one so delicately with a light peck on the temple.

Humming back, a small yet delighted smile curved before turning on the side, snuggling within the embraced of longing, wrapping along under the cover.

"I missed you...", muffled by the neck, sniffing the feeling of home that been missed.

The familiar toasty tenderness, completely covers out the numbing feeling of need, filling the once empty space, heartbeat descants over the silence, beautifully beating its melody, in an embraced no duvet nor thick coat could compare.

"My toasty autumn, back in my arms at winter o'clock".

-end-