It can wait.
But you're not making it easy. You never do.
His knees and shoulders ached with every huffing step forwards, one foot in front of the other. Muscles burned with exertion, but the toil would soon be rewarded. A pair of hefty sacks weighed down on him, stuffed to the brim with packed snow. There was plenty to be had around.
Every time. You always put yourself in the way. This time it should have been me.
A pleasant burn coursed through his being as his useless load was shed. Sips of frigid air stung at his throat, walking a tight circle to steady his bearings. The afterglow of the exercise was a relief on his body, if not his head.
I deserved it. You thinks it's always his to take. When is it going to be my turn? I think you sometimes hate me because of it.
Maybe I hate you for the same reason!
It wasn't enough. Restlessness had seeped into other places than just his legs and arms. His head spun.
But I will scoff it off. Let you have it. We've danced this dance, choreographed these moves, played off of this script.
Uncle. The ambush. Dale.
He's selfish. Takes it and saves none for me. Greedily throws himself in first, gobbling it up. He knows he doesn't deserve it but he won't let me have it.
Will it make her happy? Could that be worth it?
Those thoughts turned his eyes towards the distant houses and barns ahead. It occurred him he was on a farm. There is always plenty to do on a farm even during winter. Hurriedly he began to walk, aimless but for any sign of activity.
What would she think? It wouldn't have been that way. She was a bridge. All we find are wedges. I spring roots. He pulls them out.
Perhaps I should do it. My turn to take it.
Some ways down the path he spied a pair of farmhands straining against a cartwheel gone stuck, lodged deep into the snow drifts. Weighed heavy with goods from town it was no small challenge for even the strong young men to free their cart. He had never been so elated over an accident before.
It can wait.
We said till the first melts.
Why not spring? Or summer?
A little longer.
