Tessa trudged through the glittering snow, her shoes soaked through, a mixture of water and ice squelching between her toes. The roads a perfect sheet of ice, the pavements, an untouched piece of paper, her footprints ink spilling across the page.
Light snow littered the air, drifting downwards, settling in her hair, making her wish she had worn a hat. She had been walking for hours now, the need to get away from the bustle of friends and family, and everyday life was overwhelming. So she took to roaming the streets; dusk had always been her favorite time of day, even as a girl she had preferred to stay up late, sitting outside, or by the large lead window on the staircase in her Grandmothers house. Evening light is far more gentle, less menacing than the bright glare of dawn sunlight. Even the streetlight appeared soft, blurred by the flurry of snowflakes.
The streets were dead. Everyone inside tucked up under a blanket in front of a blazing fire, their cars stationary, blending into the white surroundings; snow dunes, on the edge of the curb. All evening Tessa had not seen any sign of life outside the curtain drawn windows; no cars braving the streets, and no other sign of civilization. It was as if she were the only person left in the world, haunting the walkways with her heavy navy blue coat, peacefully wondering through a white wonderland.
On either side of the street, beautiful white houses towered at equal heights, the fresh layer of snow giving the houses a yellowing complexion against the virginal white ice. Tessa could make out shadows of figures behind the curtains, but turns her head away, not wanting to invade their privacy, isolating herself from them. Tessa turned left onto a small alleyway lined with wooden 6 foot paneled fencing with over hanging trees, creating a canopy from the snow, falling faster now than it was when she had set out. Tessa stepped out at the end of the alley onto a narrow country lane. It was hardly ever used by cars, but normally a bridal way for the few horse riders in this part of the city. It was a familiar place. But so different in the snow. She could no longer see where the road ended and the grassy banks began, its unfamiliarity appearing uncanny, but she proceeded. Pulling her Ipod from her brown leather satchel that was clutched to her side, she began walking. The buds placed firmly in her ears, her music on shuffle. Ben Howards 'Old Pine' lulling her footsteps. Tessa closed her eyes, shutting off her senses, allowing only memory to lead her through the road, her unsteady feet slipping on the ice, but her eyes staying firmly closed, cold salty tears sliding down her numb cheeks. A silent sob escaped her lips and her footing slipped from beneath her. She threw open her eyes to catch herself, seeing bright light. Her knees stinging with the impact of ice she twisted to face the light. Two glaring spotlights hurtled towards her neither slowing or showing any side of having noticed her crouched in the road. Impact.