A Texas Freeze

By Charles Gray

A winter storm sweeps south, blankets us with snow and ice, downs our power grid. Sub-freezing temperatures seep through walls, penetrate glass, creep under doors.

Huddling in layers, my wife and I can hardly move. We fight the constant chill wearing hats, scarves, and gloves, but our feet are like ice no matter how many socks we wear. Our living room is a shrine of burning candles and prayers for our survival.

At night, our bed feels like a frozen casket. Our only refuge—blast the car’s heater, recline the seats, and melt. Luckily, my wife already filled the gas tank.