I recall a snow storm. Seems ancient now. Parked by the lake. We could hardly see past the falling flakes. Soon, they too, were obstructed; lost to our mingled breaths on the windows.

A boy. A girl. And all the privacy we could make for ourselves.

...before a rap at the window startled us from our blissful winter's den and we were told, in no uncertain terms, to move along.

I guess we did. Some lifetime ago.

Still, when I close my eyes I leap back sometimes. Right there. Just a boy, really; clinging to a girl. Awash in the fervor of youthful excitement. But lost, then, to a full understanding... of just how much I'd loved her.

In but a blink, I see her. Projected onto the backs of my eyelids. I feel the upholstery. Her delicate weight in my arms. The accumulating humidity, and the warmth of her breath on my face. The softness of her skin.

The brief hesitation, before her heat and gentle give. All around. As she slowly welcomes me in.

But I always open my eyes. And it's all gone. She's... wherever a lifetime took her.

I'm just...
Here.

The snows return tomorrow; and I'll take to the road again. Of course, I know I'll approach everything with my usual care and attention. I'll almost certainly come home.

Huh. Home. I'm not always sure where that is anymore.

I wonder, though. How benevolent is the universe? Should something happen. Should I not return. Should I finally learn what dreams may come.

When I blink my final blink. Just once...

Can I stay?