Herman woke with a start and was shocked to see his breath suspended in the air. He touched his hands to his cheeks and realized his skin felt frozen. As he stepped out of bed, letting his bare feet touch the floor, waves of fiery ice pulsed through his legs and pierced straight through to his heart. As he reached the kitchen, he realized that the window was still open. The evening before, a gentle springtime breeze blew through town, but this morning, Herman saw a fresh coat of snow sparkling in the sunlight.
Once he shut the window and fed Johnny, all Herman wanted was to return under his covers, but he remembered his appointment with Dr. Beal and knew that his daughter would be disappointed if failed to attend. He bundled up in all his coats and taped a note to the door asking Oliver to walk Johnny. The halls were quiet, but the silence outside was deafening. Herman struggled to walk a few blocks when he realized he needed some coffee for strength. Looking around, he saw just one café open, so he headed inside.
Only one customer was sitting in the warm shop, reading from a tattered paperback. After ordering, Herman sat near her and decided to talk.
"Hello," he greeted. "Cold day, isn't it? What brings you out? I'm Herman Marshall, by the way."
The older woman jumped up in her seat, startled by Herman's voice. She had counted on being alone today.
"I'm ClaraJean Mallory, and I came here because I thought I would be the only one," she said pointedly.
"Oh, I'm sorry," Herman apologized as he got up awkwardly from his seat.
"No, I'm sorry," ClaraJean recovered. "Sorry, ever since my husband died, it's so much harder to be in public."
"I understand," Herman sympathized, "my own wife died just a few years ago. I probably wouldn't be out here now if it weren't for my persistent children."
ClaraJean's eyes clouded over at the mention of children, and she quickly changed the subject.
"Do you like to read?" she asked, showing Herman her book.
"Yes, that's one of my favorites. I have to go to the doctor now, but if you're ever interested in discussing books or having coffee, please let me know."
Herman gave her his address.
"Bye, ClaraJean. It was excellent meeting you!"
It no longer felt so cold outside.
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