Visitor
Izzy Austin
Dust danced in the moonlight that filtered in from the crack between the curtains as I placed my feet atop the coffee table – swinging one over the other. Outside, powdery snow fluttered from the sky, covering the hard, concrete ground in a thin layer of soft white. The sky was grey, blanketed by the clouds that hung overhead. Birds circled in the vast space above the cars that rumbled on the road, their headlights piercing the darkness and illuminating the bustling city: families wanted to get home in time for Christmas.
I pressed the ‘on’ button, and the television flickered to life, casting a dim glow upon the dark room. I switched between channels, not paying much attention to the shows that were playing, until I settled on a Christmas movie I had never seen before. I leaned back into the fluffy cushions that lined the sofa, my gaze settling on the screen.
The sound of my doorbell startled me, and I pulled myself up from the couch, stretching as I did so. The wood-panelled floor was cold underneath my bare feet, sending a shiver right through my spine. I would be sure to start up the fire later.
I reached the large door, wrapping my hand around the cold, metal handle. I twisted it, pulling the door open in one sharp movement. A rush of icy air hit me, the sensation piercing my skin, making me shudder as I glanced around for a moment. Someone stood in the doorway, their warm smile contrasting with the bitter cold. Their eyes were covered by the fringe that tumbled over their face, but they were still easily recognisable. This was someone I hadn’t seen for years, but the memories of them were still engraved into my mind. A soft grin sprung across my face as I waved them inside, taking their coat.
As we settled down on the sofa, cups of hot chocolate grasped in our hands, I knew I wouldn’t be alone this Christmas.