Why don't we do this more often?

Danica asked as we strolled through the park under the frigid winter sky.

Because I'm freezing my took us off, I said.

Arm outstretched as our black and tan German pincher struggled against the leash.

A squirrel taunted her from a nearby tree, and I could feel her vibrating with the killing

instinct through the leash.

I'm serious, Danica said, grabbing my left elbow and leaning her head against my shoulder as we

walked.

So am I.

I'm too cold for this shit.

I want to do this more often, Danica said.

Get out and just walk among the normal people.

It helps me gain some perspective.

We do what we do for these people,

so they can walk around like this, blissfully ignorant.

Soggy leaves coated the ground, and little pockets of snow held out in shadows against the weak sun.

There were a surprising amount of people out in the park.

Of course, it was New Year's Day.

It seemed everyone was trying to start the year off on the right foot.

I looked at the faces of the people we passed.

Most of them were in their own little worlds.

I knew Danica was right, but it wasn't the only reason we did what we did.

...