It is frosty outside. These first morning chills forebode the beginning of winter. Winter comes early here in Minnesota. It comes with the fogs, the grey autumn sky, the icy bite of the air in your lungs and the darkening shimmer on the pond. No more sparkling from the summer sun, no more cheerful waves and mosquitoes buzzing. The pond is quiet and dark. Only the pines stay. They stay still and green and permanent in your view of the landscape, reassuring you by their very existence that the winters come and go but do not matter.
The fireplace has burned out long ago. The solid wooden walls keep the chill out but even they cannot prevent the cold from sneaking into your little piece of the world. Staying under the covers in the warmth of the sleep is very tempting. Yet you know the moment when you'll have to get up is not far away. You frown at the reminder. You are so warm, happy and relaxed. It is the simple things that matter in life. Things which make you happy. Even Aristotle knew it – we are all pursuing our happiness. Of course you shall never mention that in front of Daniel. You are not supposed to even know of Aristotle in his book of life. The very idea tugs the left corner of your mouth into a semi-smirk. Daniel may know of Aristotle, Plato and Socrates, but finding happiness is not something you can achieve by burying yourself in books. Being happy cannot be taught in any language, no matter how many languages you can speak. You huff. Daniel may have read about it, but does not know it. Yet Teal'c knows. He always knows and comprehends without all the fancy words Daniel may use in descriptions.
You sense Sam is awake. Maybe it is her breathing, for she has not moved a muscle. You would have felt it. Her legs intertwined with yours, her foot tucked under your calf, her arms hugging you, her head resting over your heart, her breath tickling your chest hair. She's warm. You are warm too. You touch her blond strands with your lips in silent thanks. Thanks for making me warm. You have been cold for so long… Oh, stop it, it's over! Thanks for making me happy. She snuggles closer to you, nuzzles in your neck for a while, kisses your pulse point and lifts her head to look at you. Her blond hair ragged from sleep, her eyes shining blue when they meet yours. You smile. You are happy. And warm. Who needs sun when you have Sam's blond halo in front of you? Who needs blue skies when you can drown in the blue of Sam's eyes? Who needs summer heat when the simple skin to skin contact incinerates your insides even in the passion afterglow? You know you suck with words but you make yourself a promise – you will always be the pines in Sam's life.
PS.
Thanks and hugs, Jumble!
