Warm air blew from the dashboard vents. The heat was made from the diesel rumbling under the hood. He liked to think the warmth was not real. Only manufactured from the engine’s effort. Besides, for him, the cold would return in minutes. For now, it was out there, where it belonged.
The long road ahead gave him time and opportunity to dry his damp gloves. They rested under the icy windshield as the vehicle hurdled down a frozen road. The air pushing past them gave off a strong aroma. Diesel and petroleum products scented the cab as the temperature increased. Neither occupant paid it any mind. They were tired, and they worked while the sun still slept. A chill radiated through the melting ice of the passenger window.
Delicate melodies carried along with the strong smell in the warm air. The tunes danced through the truck as the dark world sped past the windows. The only light outside came from a crisp blanket of untouched snow winding along the roadside like an alabaster snake. The fading moonlight illuminated the oversized shoulder line. They followed alongside it as it wound them toward their destination. The tall steel pole was approaching rapidly. Soon would come the cold, he thought, time to forget about this wonderful encirclement of warmth.
The vehicle that tore so violently down the snow-strewn dirt road now sat idle. The passenger window had almost melted clear. Outside, the flagpole stood just off the road. It’s what needs to be done, he thought. He pulled moist gloves over his warm knuckles and reached for the door handle. With a click, a rush of frozen gale passed the steel lock and broke into the cab. Instantly, the flurry found every inch of exposed skin. It seemed alive and looking to consume the warmth. Turning on a headlamp, he slid from the seat to his feet and closed the door.
The icy wind nipped at the back of his neck, cheeks and jaw. He was separated now from the deceiving clutches of the steel box. The only heat he had now was provided by his own body, trapped inside his heavy coat. Out here is where you belong, he thought, but there was no time to waste. He started to make his way. His legs disappeared into the untouched crust of snow as he pushed hard through the soft but thick obstacle. He gasped for the sub-zero air, every breath shocking his warm lungs. Each step, a step closer. The hot breath was thrown from his throat like he had a fire burning in his belly. Light from the headlamp built a hasty wall of fog, making the path difficult to see.
A red flag was tied around the base of the pole. He made it. Every bit of canvas was coated in hoar frost. He paused to take a look around. Make sure there is no unfriendly company around, out here in the wild. With the movement of his head, a beam of light was tossed around the area. Are you alone? He asked himself. He untied the knotted flag with ease. It unravelled like it was keen to go to work.
With his help, the scarlet pennant now raced to its goal. A last pull of the rope brought it to its climax, knocking the remaining frost free. The delicate crystals sparkled in the lamplight as they eased their way back to earth. He felt lucky to have a private snowfall. The flakes melted away on his cheeks as he listened to the sounds of the wild waking from a winter dream.
Orange clapped the sky as the sun began to rise. Another second to watch the sun climb into the sky wouldn’t hurt. The orange bled into pink as a stunning array of deep blues, yellows, and violets claimed the sky.
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