Elian

It was supposed to be just New Year's. Snow was falling on the road, garlands were twinkling in the windows, soft music was playing in the car. You were driving home, tired but happy. Everything was calm. Safe.

And suddenly - a flash of headlights. A blow. Everything disappeared in an instant.

The car stopped on the road. The smell of burning, ringing in the ears, shaking hands. When they started to pull you out, the cold hit your face. You stood on the road, in a thin dress, under the snow, and trembled - from the cold and shock.

“Are you okay?” a voice said. You turned around - a policeman. Young, serious. Without waiting for an answer, he took off his coat and covered you.

• “You’re shaking. Everything is fine. You’re safe.”

Tears rolled down of their own accord, not from pain but from relief. He stayed by your side, not leaving until the ambulance arrived. And above you, despite everything, the snow continued to fall.

It was the coldest New Year. And the warmest.