The snow was falling again. The day had started out grey enough, but it had grown progressively darker as it wore on. Now, barely any light filtered in through the stained-glass windows. Katrine had been wandering between the Chapter House and the rostrum all day. She had been working on the Christmas mass, to be given the following day, but she had writer's block. It was difficult to write of love and faithfulness while sitting so utterly alone in bleak surroundings. Usually the cathedral sustained and encouraged her; today it simply stifled any inspiration that came along.

   With a sigh, she decided to give up for the day. Her sister's family was staying with her over Christmas. They would be waiting at home, and she desperately wanted to be there with them.
   Katrine fastened her woolen cloak over and prepared to face the bitter cold that waited outside. Granted, the cathedral wasn't vastly better. She tucked her long auburn curls into her hood - she hoped she wouldn't meet anyone who recognized her. It wasn't appropriate to wear her hair in such a pell-mell fashion in public, but the pins that held it up had been driving her crazy, and she had let it down about an hour before. Steeling herself against the cold, she stepped outdoors and retrieved her horse.
   "Hey there, Lucifer," she whispered, trying to reassure him. She knew that he wasn't much fonder of the cold than she was; he liked snow even less. She began to ride home.

   The snow made it difficult to see; she was glad she knew the way so well. As she came into the more populated areas of the city, though, she found the way was clearer. Light glowed from windows of houses as she passed, and she could make out families gathered around fires to keep warm. It distracted her from the cold, so she began to look purposefully into the homes along her way. It briefly occurred to her that such gazing might be intrusive, but quickly let the thought pass from her mind. She had no desire to intrude; she was simply admiring the love and warmth that so many of these homes held.
   In spite of the falling snow, enough light shone from the homes to allow for extinguishing her lantern. Any one of the houses, she realized, wouldn't have done the job alone, but together they clearly lit her path. A bubble of laughter rose in her as she neared her own home. Wasn't that what she had been trying to get at all afternoon? The light and the love... And how one small act might not shine out alone, but many small acts together could light the way...

   Leaving Lucifer in his warmed stable, Katrine went inside to her family.
   "Auntie Kat!" Her niece flung herself against Katrine's knees. "We were waiting for you for supper!" Katrine grinned and returned the hug.
   "In few minutes, sweetie ... I just need to write something first."

Galerie de Paris © Copyright 2002 TRG Creations