Winters in New York City were bitterly cold; gusts of chilling wind blasted through the streets and what seemed like a foot of snow fell every night. Slush and ice were shoveled into the sidewalks, making roads slippery and almost treacherous. Shopping malls quickly became busy with the crowds desperate for Christmas presents.
Still, even in the Yuletide season, a feeling of cheeriness and love was evident. As the days counted down until Christmas morning, anticipation escalated.
My final day of exams had ended and I found myself walking along an old but familiar bridge. Something about it sent a flow of memories rushing into my head….
I remember the first day Axel and I had met, nearly two years ago. It was close to Christmas and the streets had been buried under snow and ice. Axel was leaning against the railing of the bridge, deeply involved with a conversation he was having on his cell phone. I was walking with haste to my apartment when I felt the ground beneath me become unsteady. I skidded for a moment across the ice before losing my balance and letting out a cry of shock as I began to fall.
And Axel caught me with one hand around my arm.
Remembering that, I couldn't help but smile on this bridge. It had started to snow again and in the distance, the sun was beginning to set. I pulled out my cell phone and called Axel, asking him to meet me by the old bridge.
He asked, "Why?"
I only said, "I've got something to show you."
Axel showed up some fifteen minutes later. We shared a quick kiss before Axel stepped back with an expectant look on his face.
I looked down at the ground and smiled. "This is where we first met, babe… do you remember it?"
"Of course," said Axel. "You were about to fall on your ass and I caught you."
I couldn't help but laugh. Axel leaned again upon the railing of the bridge, staring at the darkening sky ahead of him.
I buried my head in his chest and wrapped my arms around his neck. The snow continued to fall, yet I felt so very warm.
Axel pulled me around by the waist and held me close. I could feel one of his hands grasping mine and I reached up, cupping his warm cheek in my palm.
"Promise me that you won't fall again…" said Axel quietly into my ear.
"I won't," I said. "Because you're here."