[ WP ] A man is sitting on a park bench at night . There 's half a foot of snow on the ground and more snow falling . Only his footprints are in the snow . As he stares across the park he hears approaching footsteps in the snow but he does n't turn around . Someone taps him on his shoulder .

I look on in silence as the snow begins filling in my footsteps. It has been ten years—ten wonderful, pitiful years. I almost didn ’ t come. Can you believe that? I was sitting in my library—not reading, I couldn ’ t concentrate—looking on at the collection I had amassed in wonder. I ’ d barely read a quarter of them. So many stories I ’ d never hear the end of. Such a dismal notion. 
 
 The cold is beginning to reach my extremities, numbing the tips of my fingers and nose. I ’ m glad it ’ s snowing. It was oddly comforting, watching each flake dance with the wind, gentle as individuals yet fierce as a downpour. And yet here I am, at the place of my genesis, thinking about books and snowflakes. I force myself to think about my sister, my parents, and my ex-wife. I try picturing them with warm, welcoming smiles but it feels fake, painfully so. I remove my leather gloves and grab a handful of snow, embracing the numbness, the pain. 
 
 Slow methodical footsteps break the silence behind me. I keep my eyes focused on the lump of snow in my palms the entire time. 
 
 There ’ s a tap on my shoulder. 
 
 “ Hello, old friend. That ’ s a lovely coat you have, I love the color. ” 
 
 I do n't say anything. My hand is now completely numb. 
 
 “ I held up my end of the bargain. ” His voice croaks, just how I remember it. “ Don ’ t look so glum. Ten years! I can only imagine the wonders you saw, the excitement, the people you met! Didn ’ t you say you wanted to see Eiffel Tower? Well, did you? ” 
 
 I nodded, trying to ignore his goading, to hide my anger. 
 
 “ My, my, so sullen. ” He pauses before letting out a sigh coated in boredom. “ It ’ s time to go, old friend. ” 
 
 “ Wait… I have to ask. Is it ever worth it? ” 
 
 He forms his devious, malevolent smile and winks. 
 
 As his hand reaches for me I notice my tracks have completely filled in, returning the field to its pristine nature. 

