A Swirling Frost Waltz

I set down my felt stocking upon the warm oak of the bedside table, readying my posture for the quiet night. Resting beside the lamp base stood a miniature glass snow globe with a dark wooden pedestal. With three measured paces, I glided to its curved flank and placed both mittened hands against the cool sphere. A gentle, counted tilt sent a flurry of iridescent white specks swirling into a silent, buoyant waltz across the sculpted evergreen inside. I watched each tiny flake drift slowly through the clear water before settling upon the roof like fresh powder, then rested my back against the glass to bid the evening goodnight.