A Touch of Frost

Stepping across the cool hardwood floor toward the bay window, a sudden prismatic flicker caught my eye near the drafty sill. Overnight sub-zero temperatures had left a fragile pattern of crystalline frost clinging to the lowest corner of the glass pane. Setting the butt of my rifle firmly against the lacquered baseboard for balance, I approached the frosted edge. Reaching out with the smooth fingertip of my gauntlet, I lightly grazed the feathery ice. The delicate crystal needles dissolved cleanly under my touch, leaving a small, polished crescent of clear glass that revealed the brilliant blue autumn sky outside. Observing winter's advance in such minute detail brings a steady, composed start to this clear morning.