8 december

And when we reached the time of burrowing, there was concern -- a furrowing, even, of brows, as if they themselves were heavily laden with the snow that might someday fall, if such a trend were to continue. But also, deeper into a few of the faces, somewhere in the eyes, there could be seen a kind of relief -- a sort of satisfaction that now other things could be cast aside to focus instead inward on the important matters -- heat, full bellies, comfort -- no matter what other matters might arise.