a tree

he bent to tighten his laces and shook the cold from his fingers. he jogged out across the moor as a mist settled over the surrounding hills. the air scratched at his cheeks as he ran and he rubbed at his eyes with the knuckle of a fingerless glove. his breath bellowed out in front and wrapped around his chin. he could feel the laboured beating of his heart in his toes and his heels hit the wet grass with a sigh.

he approached a leafless and lifeless tree, its branches spread like the antlers of a beast against the grey sky. knots in the darkened bark glared at him as he passed under the skeletal canopy. but as he looked towards the sky he noticed drops of clear water hanging from the ends of every branch like ornaments. the tree took on an unexpected beauty that slowed him to a walk. he passed the tree and looked back. the crystal droplets gleaming in the dull morning sunlight. he stopped. his heart tapped at his ribcage and his breath was coarse against his dry throat.

as he stared back at the tree mist closed in around him unnoticed. despite the cold, a warmth built up in his throat and for a moment there was nothing else but him and this tree. its silhouette burnt on his retinas as he blinked away the cold air. the edges of his vision darkened and soon he heard nothing but the steadied drum of his heart. the tree stood, unmoved, its clarity slowly obscured by tears.