She shivered and pulled her striped woolen hat over her ears. January in Texas was bone-chilling cold and it almost made her nostalgic for the searing heat of summer… almost. Her ear buds were snug and her Monday morning pep song was “Dog Days Are Over” by Florence + the Machine. She smiled and quickened her pace, hoping it would generate some much needed heat to her limbs. The trees were bare and the sky was smog colored gray, but she found it comforting. She thought about the past year and all that she’d been through. Katrine’s skin had thickened but not hardened. She was wary but managed not to become cynical of life or love. She was more than grateful to start with a clean slate and a fresh outlook. Her stomach was churning with anticipation and she hoped her brisk pace would keep her mind clear and focused on the day ahead. A tower clock gonged in the distance and she knew she was getting close. She willed her legs to increase their speed and felt small beads of moisture forming despite the cold.
