You've come in from the cold,
Yet you still cling to your coat.
You look out the window,
As though expecting someone to come.

I try to smile,
And extend a welcoming hand.
"Take off your coat and stay a while."
You shake your head.

"Is the fire too warm? I'll turn it down.
I could bring you some warm broth,
Or some hot cocoa.
Whatever you need,
But you need to tell me."

You shrug and continue to stare
Out the window.
I look too,
But I can't see anything.

I run a hand through my bangs.
Am I doing something wrong?
Why don't you want to stay?
Am I unwelcoming?

"Um, would you like to sit down?"
You shake your head.
I blink, slipping out a tear,
But I brush it away.
I can't let you see.

"Well, do something!"
I clench my fists.
Now I've lost it,
And I can't take the words back.

You glare at me.
How dare I intrude on your private thoughts?
I want to melt into the floor.
Just die, a lowly puddle.
No one would notice.
But no, I have to be strong.
I'd already made my decision to voice my thoughts.
I won't back down now.

"Why can't you just remove your coat?
Don't you know how insulting that is?"
You glare again,
And I shiver as you turn and walk out the door.

I sink to my knees,
My heart is heavy,
And my mind is whirring.
Why did you run away?
Why do you always run away from me?

Somewhere out in the snow,
I know you're still wandering.
I pray you're still alive,
And that you know your way back.

I would search for you,
But I don't know where to look.
I'm not sure you'd come back with me anyway.

So I'll wait.
I don't know what you're afraid of,
But I hope it's not me.
And I hope you'll tell me one day,
So I can fix it.

And I hope that next time
You come into my house,
You'll take off your coat,
And stay...