Grace

Ice Skates, late 19th Century

I awoke cold. Frost climbed the windows and my breath was visible, even inside. I shrank down beneath the heavy blankets and squeezed my eyes closed, praying for further sleep. But it did not come and eluded me further still when I heard the frantic knocking at my front door. I lived alone so there was no one to let her in. I knew who it must be, who else but her? Trudging downstairs with a blanket wrapped about my meagre frame I opened the door. There she was, my girl. All green eyes and bouncy blonde curls. She was the only one I’d allow into my soul, to see me like this. She bounded inside as I stepped back.

“Arthur, it’s snowed, it’s snowed!”

“Yes, I can plainly see that,” I smiled. It was little nuances such as this which reminded me of our age gap. She clutched my arm, excitedly. How the simple act of clutching my arm, could in turn completely disarm me. I was undone. Anything she wanted would be hers in that moment. 

As if reading my thoughts, she bid, “Let’s go ice skating! The boating lake in Richmond Square is frozen over, I could see people skating from my window and I was filled with envy!” She held up her skates expectantly.

Though usually fairly agile, I did not skate for fear of looking the fool. But for her… Seeing my unease, she proclaimed, “I borrowed a pair of skates for you too, don’t worry!” As if that were the thing holding me back! One more look into her eyes and I found myself acquiescing.

Twenty minutes later, once I was dressed, she pulled me from the door. I could sense her eager footsteps as though afraid the ice would melt! She had melted my heart from the first moment I’d seen her… 

We arrived at the lake and found ourselves surrounded by laughing children and couples skating hand in hand. I timidly proffered mine, terrified that she’d refuse. But she smiled and clutched tightly, her breath swirling in mists about her. She held tighter still as I affixed the skates to her boots. I knew it was merely necessity keeping her close, but still I cherished every touch granted.

Hand in hand still, we stepped upon the ice. She immediately slipped but I kept my grasp. I knew in that moment that even if it meant taking me down with her, I’d never let her go.