Hazy Shade of Winter

Hadn't it been cold out a minute ago? Suddenly she was perfectly comfortable, warm enough that the frost couldn't penetrate this bubble of heat and contentment. Her mind and body felt sheltered for a while, hidden from the world for just a bit. Seasons had passed seemingly in the blink of an eye since their last meeting, the memory of which would begin to send cracks splitting through the illusion she'd built for herself. Everything was good right now, his touch was all that mattered. And now his words would hold her undevided attention.

She thought for a moment, trying to regain her bearings as she thought about where she'd come from before ending up here with him. It was hard to think, hard to remember anything with him so close. He still smelled lovely, her nose was filled only with his scent which clouded her mind and made it hard to do much of anything. Turning slightly she'd point her nose in the direction she'd come from, "I spent a lot of time wandering... but eventually I ended up in a place a ways north of here. I ran into him by chance, and yes just him..." a shuddering breath was taken, though she couldn't tell why she suddenly felt a bit uneasy. Then he was the one to move closer, and she felt helpless and hopelessly lost in his embrace. This was what she'd wanted for so long, to be close to him and feel a little bit alright. Nothing could compare to this.

She took several long moments to enjoy the closeness, pressing her face into his chest and just being. Soon she felt her face becoming damp and realized more tears had made their way down her face, though more ended up in his fur. Why did this have to be so hard? Why couldn't she just make it be OK and normal again? Her powerlessness was irritating. She sniffed once or twice and regained her temporarily lost composure, raising her head slightly and mumbling, "I saw the biggest buffalo ever there. And where I've been staying, it's so nice there..."