Traces in the snow

Here in Cologne Bay, it rarely snows. And when it does snow, everyone wants to see it.

I also went out for a walk that day. Everything was as usual, except that the snow had completely transformed the landscape.

From one spot on the shore, you can see the whole city. Self-centered as I was, I thought I was always the only one there looking out over the city. But then I paused: there were tracks in the snow. Very clear ones. Someone had already been here and enjoyed the same view.

That made me think, and I continued on my way. If it hadn't been for the snow, I would never have noticed that I wasn't the only one in this place that was so special to me.

Half an hour later, I turned back and visited the spot again. And lo and behold: there were new tracks.

Perhaps it happens to us more often than we think that we believe we are alone. With a certain feeling, negative or positive. An idea. A story. And then something changes and we realize that paths have crossed. Quietly and secretly. Without much fuss or an encounter.