A Snowy Encounter

I’m in the Alzheimer’s ward visiting my significant other. I’ve brought along a handful of snow that’s been in my desk drawer for the last forty years. Another of life’s mysteries. I pull it from my pocket and place it on his chest. It starts to slowly melt.

Flash back to 1976, a Yellowstone backpacking trip. We’re camped near a snowfield; lying together, both half-dressed, gazing at a star-filled sky; I reach to my side, grab a handful of snow and plant it squarely on his chest. Oh my! Classic ice-on-chest reaction. Oh my! again as he embraces me, trapping the fistful of snow between us. We both shiver from the cold. And the warmth. He whispers “Stay with me.”

My reverie’s ended by a hoarse “Stay with me.” I lie down upon him - chests together - melting snow connecting us once again.