The Snow Leopard

Sandy shook her father’s old snow globe often. It gave her an enormous sense of power.
         David had forgotten to return his library books, which was also a regular occurrence. Whenever he asked for Sandy’s help, she was powerless to refuse. They were just friends, as far as she understood. He couldn’t possibly handle her motorcycle on his own, so she accompanied him out into the brewing storm. The bike didn’t share her gusto, barely making the journey there. Any other service would have been closed with this weather, but librarians have thick skin.
         “Cocoa?” came the unexpected greeting from Mrs Henderson.
         “No, thanks. We really have to be getting back.” The reply came quickly, for David would probably have stayed.
         Visibility was fading as they waded through the piling show. Soon they arrived at an unknown intersection. David stopped, still facing ahead.
         “You idiot” she started, aflame. “You could easily pay the fine, but you drag me out here. You always-“ David turned. It was soon apparent that his expression wasn’t guilt or sadness, but fear. Good, she thought. Then she realized that he wasn’t looking at her. She glanced over just in time to see the creature emerging from the snow. They couldn’t see where the snow ended and the Leopard began. It looked one with the snow, but that was preposterous. “You’ve gotten us both killed”. she muttered.
         David stepped out in front of her. He looked the Leopard in the eye, and was no longer scared. It set off and he followed. Sandy joined, confused. Soon they were at her house. Suddenly, the leopard vanished into the wall of snow. All she understood was that her idiot friend had just risked his life for her.
         Sandy shook the snow globe often. Sometimes the pieces stuck together.

Word Count: 300