Damn, I hope it warms up soon! These icy branches are awful to try to climb, let alone jump to and from. Thank God for claws, I guess. Of course, I'd be more thankful if I could feel them, but after the winter we've had, I've grown accustomed to such things. Spring should be just around the corner, but this last month always drags on and on. The cold seems to seep deeper, the wet clings to your fur longer, and the hunger...I shouldn't think about that unless I want my stomach to growl and tell that squirrel I'm coming. I'd better hurry too. These nights are getting shorter, which is a good sign, but I prefer to do this in the dark.

Only a few more branches....his scent is strong in the air too. Good, very good. I hope he's had a better year than I have. I'd love to have a fat rodent over for dinner. Crap, there goes my stomach. I hope he's a deep sleeper too....

Two more branches, better pick up the pace. Everything else fades as it always does those last few moments as instinct takes over and I prepare for the kill. I refuse to die today, not after everything else I've already survived.

Two seconds...

I hug the tree and move swiftly towards that last branch, legs ready to spring if he dares to make a run for it.

One second...

Crouched, I take that final moment to steady myself physically and mentally before...

I explode upward. Hooking my front paws on the lip of the hole, I throw myself in, teeth bared and ready to fight...nothing...

Nothing. Fuck! I was so sure he was here! Judging by his scent, he was here am hour ago. I hope whatever scared him off got a good meal at least. He did have a great view though. You can see half the valley from here. Through all the trees mind you, but it's still beautiful. My stomach growls again as I roll to my back, resting my head on the lip of the abode. So much for all my hopes for the night. The only reliable thing tonight has been the cold. Heh, as if on cue, I feel the wind start to pick up. I sniff the air....good, at least there's not more snow coming.

Now there's something I can always count on at least. Opening my eyes I'm greeted by my friend the moon. No matter how cold and hungry I get, at least you'll always be there for me. Such humble beauty as you shine through the retreating clouds. So many stars too, twinkling, flashing, glimmering in their glory on this disappointing winter's night. At least I'll always have this beauty, no matter how cold the winter. Dang, speaking of which, I still can't feel my paws. Better get back to the nest.

A smile tugs at my freezing lips as I make my way down to the lower branches to begin my aerial traverse home. Sorry moon, but as much as I love your radiance, it can't compare to the warmth awaiting me just a few trees away. Suddenly, my paw slides off a branch as I land on it. Damn it, I'd better slow down. Well, I'd better haul myself up onto this branch, then slow down. Heh, stupid me. If I'd moved this fast tonight I may have gotten that squirrel after all. Guess I've found my motivation.

And there's home. Just one big jump and a short scamper up....glad that branch at least wasn't iced over. Squeeze through that small hole, which seems to grow as winter goes on. I'd probably be thinking of how hungry I am or have been for the last two months, but it's hard to think of anything when those beautiful eyes squint open towards me. I don't know who's smiling more, because I'm all but certain I'm grinning like a fool as usual. No matter how cold or long this winter is, at least I know what's waiting for me at home. There's one hope that always comes true.