Mercy

I removed the soft, silky blanket from my lap to open the car door. I hesitantly stuck a leg out into the cold, immediately blasted by bitingly chill air. With chattering teeth, I glanced at my mother. I could see the pain in her eyes, the longing for me to stay. But we both knew her time was temporarily up with me, and it was my father's turn to take care of me. All I could do was lean over to give a kiss goodbye.

As I turned away, I caught a glimpse of wetness around her hazel eyes.
"Mom..." I swallowed hard.
"I- I love you,"
"I know, sweetheart."

I leaned further so I could embrace her one last time, awkwardly laying across our car. And with that, I shut the door to connection with my mother.

Huddling my body together, I walked against the wind in the direction of my father's house, a mere structure I could hardly see the outline of through the swirling gusts of snow. Turning around, I waved goodbye in the direction of my mom's Jeep, but I doubt she ever saw me. Frowning, I continued on, trekking through the foot-deep snow. I squinted hard, looking for the door of my dad's log house.

Suddenly, a light shone bright as the front door opened, and I saw the figure of a man.