Grey

Bonus Chapter - Thin Ice

(A one off story or POSSIBLY the beginning of a new story, if enough people like it)

Snowflakes danced around the edge of his vision, out of focus, like fine silvery glitter. The edges of the pond beginning to crystallize into thick ice, yet the center was still exposed to the crisp winter air. In only moments, the whole pond would be frozen over, inescapably solid, concealing whatever was in the murky depths of the pond as a mystery until spring. Despite the bone chilling wind, the water's surface was calm, tranquil, hypnotic to the dazed eye. The entire scene was isolated from the destructive touch of mankind.

Logan stood at the edge of the pond, his bare feet on the ice, which slowly was beginning to crack under his prolonged weight. His eyes were hazy, unfocused, staring down into the watery abyss. His breathing was slow, warming the air in small puffs. He wore a thin long sleeve button up shirt. His skin was littered in goosebumps, yet in his dazed state he didn't shiver. The world was a distant memory for him in the moment, yet he would soon be a recent memory to the world.

Step by step, Logan approached the thinner ice, fragmenting the frosted surface. There was no caution in his steps for this was fate. Destiny. His mind was clouded, for if it wasn't, his rational would of called him home the moment the brisk breeze danced over his skin.

Every winter Logan felt this calling. Before, he could ignore it, push it back. Sometimes he would find himself freezing in the snow and had to lug himself inside before he got frostbite. In the moment, the cold wouldn't bite him, but the moment he snapped out of the faze it would deep deep into his core. Every time it felt as if he would never be warm again. He found his excuses to stay firmly inside during the winter, for his outdoor excursions led to him wandering off. However, he couldn't fight the calling this time, he had put it off much too long and now it was stronger than before.

The ice began to give way beneath him as he walked to the center, melting under his steps and returning into the pond water. He didn't flinch as the cold water began to meet his bare skin. He didn't hiss at the chill, or even show the faintest hint of acknowledgement.

Not until he fell in.

The moment the ice ended and pond water met, the daze began to fade. Plummeting into the pond, his body now fully submerged in the water, did he realize the predicament he was in. The ice, like an iron door, began to close above his head at a rate not seemingly plausible. It was too cold to move, his limbs like lead. Adrenaline kicked in to allow him to bang fruitlessly against the cold wall he found himself stuck under.

For a moment, his lungs burned in desperation. Yet, when he succumbed to breathing, he found himself able to breath. The cold began to numb his body, now feeling as if it was natural. The murky water only stung his eyes for an hour or so, only so long due to him disturbing the pond bottom from panic. His brain was still sluggish, both from whatever force drew him here, and the icy chill. He sat at the bottom of the pond answerless

And he remained there until the end of winter

Logan XXXXXXX has been reported missing, last known location to be his apartment located in XXXXX by XXXXX two months ago. Due to the severity of winter this year, all search partied have been called off. Logan XXXXXXX has been presumed dead.

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(I'm finally posting what I wrote of Thin Ice. Go check it out )