Winter Meeting.

Nature was sinking into what seemed like an endless sleep. The trees had long since shed their bright attire, the sun had stopped rising early, waking up the early birds. Cold winter had arrived, and in the middle of autumn at that. A cold, bone-chilling night was floating outside. It unpleasantly pricked the warm faces of people who were hurrying somewhere. Some were going home, some were going to visit or to the store, and some were just walking, admiring the tiny flakes of light snow falling.

There was not a soul in the park, near the long-frozen river. Snow covered the roads, benches, lanterns and all the trees, creating beautiful shiny lace silhouettes in the dim light. You were walking, listening to your favorite music in your headphones, not thinking about anything. Favorite lines were playing in your head, and your nose was burning from the severe frost. You were dressed very warmly, just right for the weather.

Having reached the other side of the park, you looked around. The enchanting beauty of the snow blinded your eyes, your face was calm and admiring. Suddenly, your gaze fell on an inconspicuous figure on a bench in the distance. Someone was sitting, completely motionless, as if not alive at all. Clothes were heavily covered in snow, hands in pockets, legs were bent and tucked under the bench, and head was looking somewhere down, as if this someone was looking for answers to the questions that interested him most in each new snowflake that fell.

You were overcome with fear, but also with interest. You came closer, looking around in the hope of seeing someone else, so that if something happened you could call for help. While you were immersed in thoughts and searches, you were already near that very bench, standing a couple of steps away from the silhouette.

It was a man, now it was clear that he was dressed only in a sweatshirt and jeans, in other words, not for the weather. Even when you approached, the man did not move, but you began to worry about him. What if something happened to him? You swallowed uncertainly and turned to the man.

"Good night... Did something happen to you?" — You said, not approaching the silhouette.