January 21st 2011 – Grabbing a Coffee

So far, Chloe had not needed to send up any prayers. Sure, they’d got to the US, and the clinic had been superb. All of the staff had been so friendly and supportive. But despite the treatment, Eve was still very sick. Chloe had gone downstairs to get some coffee from the Deli opposite. There was a machine by the nurses’ station, but what came out was crap. Outside on the sidewalk, sipping the fresh brew, she realised that she was completely knackered. The constant vigil by Eve’s bedside had been going on for over five days. They had only been back to the hotel for a few hours each day. Just to grab a quick shower.

Even though it was nearly two in the morning, on the spur of the moment she decided to take a short walk. The snowstorm had finished and the sky overhead had cleared. Chloe had some leather boots on and they crunched pleasantly on the newly frozen snow. She pulled her blue coat tight around her, knowing that by walking four blocks west, she would reach the edge of Central Park.

Five minutes later she emerged from between the tall buildings and could see the open spaces of the park stretched out in front of her. The clouds that had dropped the snow had largely disappeared. The moon was nearly full. Its light reflecting off the white sidewalks and the branches, heavy with snow. She sighed deeply. The white from the snow-laden trees framed her hair and contrasted with the deep blue of her coat. Chloe looked up. A myriad of stars spangled the pitch black of the night sky. One seemed particularly bright.