The bedroom is dark except for the light shining off the iPhone screen. Dog snores waft up from the sides of the bed, and the heater clanks a bit.

Outside the window, the sky is orange and grey. I can almost make out the branches of the Japanese maple as they sag from the weight of the falling snow. The snowfall is silent, though the window screens’ buildup tells me the wind is blowing.

I know the orange light is pollution from the local schools and businesses. I know that it should be dark as coal. I know in the morning I’ll curse the snow & the havoc it causes in my life, but right now I can only stare into winter’s faded orange blanket and hope that everyone else is as safe and warm.