The stinging flakes travel horizontally, blown by gusts of frigid December air. The vast expanse of pavement outside the suburban mall is white, covered in ice. And a man walks, hunched against the cold. Alone, to some unknown destination.

If not for the light of the occasional street lamp, his presence would have gone unnoticed. Or perhaps not a soul paid him attention despite the pale glow.

~

North Dakota winters can be a bummer. The snow and cool weather can be exhilarating. It can also be downright depressing.