Sad, Strange Little Girl (Open)

It was really starting to get cold outside. Bartholomew knew that it would be time to start covering the plants, and many would die from the cold. But that was the cycle of life - they died, only to become fruitful in the spring and summer once again. If only people were like that - if they disappeared during the hard time and were reborn during the good times.

But then if that happened, Bartholomew mused, who would learn from their mistakes?

Bartholomew had taken a break from his studying. He had several tests coming up, but he wanted to get outside and feel the air, to make sure that he stayed focused on his studying later. He strode down the paths toward town, not really sure where he was going. He was bundled in a dark green jacket with a stylized tree on it, a teal beanie hat, and dark colored jeans. His breath formed little white clouds as he exhaled, and he amused himself by breathing out to make a stream of steam. A child's amusement, but it was still fun no matter the age.

He arrived in the town square to see the fountain had been turned off. There was still water in the pool, but there was no longer a flowing stream of water like there had been during the summer. He took a seat on the bench near the fountain, watching the people walk by in groups, huddling together to stay warm. Most of the people were students, but some of the townspeople were out and about as well. Bartholomew sat, wondering how all of the trees in the town square would hold up and thinking about his family as they readied the farm for winter. That was always a production, and would take a lot of work. Bartholomew found himself missing it. He wondered if he would be going home for winter break - his family probably wouldn't mind.

"Uhm, hey!"

He looked up to see a girl walking over to him. "Do you remember me?" She asked. "We met the night of the play - I accidentally ran into you, replaced your lemonade."

Bartholomew nodded to show his recognition, but remained quiet. He couldn't say he really remembered all that much about her, but he did remember her knocking over his drink at the play. He also remembered, with some amusement, how he had advised her to run outdoors and to watch where she was going. He was glad to see she was following his advice.

She sat down next to him. "So what're you up to on this fine day? Sure you're pleased to hear my running outside this time." She offered with a laugh, and Bartholomew smiled.

"I am glad to hear you're not running around indoors, though it might be worth it to be inside in this cold. I'm doing well, just a bit cold. I needed a break from studying, though. I have a few tests on Monday, so I'll need to work on those, but I've realized that too much studying doesn't help me after awhile." Bartholomew explained with a shrug, watching his breath precipitate and fade into the air. He glanced over at her. "What about you, um... Remind me of your name again? I'm sorry, the play was awhile ago..."


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