The cold cuts at my exposed face and I pull my coat tighter towards me. The ice seems to be strong, but I still don’t trust the middle. At the edge of the lake I see my stump. Our secret little exchannge post.

Of course our families do not like each other, but he is the best man I have ever had the pleasure of not meeting. We are pen pals through this little stump, and I treasure his letters dearly.

When I reach the stump, there is no customary note. Instead I find a pair of crisp white ice skates. I gasp out loud and turn back towards the ice. A lone figure emerges from the opposite bank. He glides smoothly over with an extended hand.

“Shall we?”

“I don’t know how.”

“We’ll just take it one step at a time.”

“What if I fall?"

“I’m here to catch you, and I don’t plan on going anywhere soon.”