Katelyn rubbed her hands together, mocking the cold weather. She stood on the front steps of her house, glancing at the christmas lights that lit up the neighborhood. A half foot of snow lined the walkway and littered the driveway, forming little mountains around the car tires.
Peering from behind the screen door Nicholas watched his breathe become fog in the chill air. Katelyn didn't move a muscle. Nicholas let himself out the door and gave Katelyn a squeeze. She involunteerily brushed him away.
"I think it's a good idea for you to take time for yourself. It's been a rough year, we both could use a breather." Nicholas scratched behind his head nervously. "Mom will still want you to visit."
Katelyn shook her head. Nicholas sighed and walked backed into the house.
Shivering, Katelyn wrapped herself in her hand-knitted sweater; when she couldn't hold it in any longer, an icy tear fell down her cheek, which she quickly brushed away. After a moment, she turned to go inside.
Katelyn found Nicholas over by the fire place, staring at the pictures that lined the mantel. She started to shake. Nicholas heard her approach and turned around. "Are you okay?"
Without a second thought, Katelyn walked over to the mantel and with one sweep of her arm sent the pictures crashing to the floor. Nicholas jumped back before diving to the floor to pick them up. "Kate!"
Kate watched pathetically as Nicholas began picking up the glass and picture frames. He cut his finger, which started bleeding profusely, and collapsed to the floor in a fit of tears.
"I hate when men cry," Kate said flatly.
"How could you," Nicholas breathed, "He was my son too..."
"Everything is your fault. EVERYTHING!" Kate stormed out of the room. Nicholas jumped up and chased after her, tugging her arm and swinging her around to face him.
"You have no right!" Nicholas boomed. "Don't you think if I would've known I would've done everything I could to save him? To prevent it? How dare you walk around thinking you're the only one suffering. I suffer every waking moment, more so because I was here and didn't know anything!"
"Whatever helps you sleep at night, Nick." Kate tried releasing her arm from his grip, but he squeezed tighter. "I cannot continue this anymore. It's over, Nick."
Nick released her arm and she stumbled back. Blood from his cut finger stained her sweater. He smiled lightly. "His blood is on my hands and now mine are on yours." A moment later Nick was out the door with his jacket in one hand and keys in another.