The morning looked bright and sharp. Sun on full blast. A clean blue sky stretched overhead. Birds moved in relaxed circles above the street. I watched it all from my couch and felt a pull. The kind that tells you to get up and go outside. So I decided to walk to the Washington Monument. Why not. Winter or not. I could layer up and push through the cold. At least that was the plan.

The plan cracked fast. I stepped out of the apartment and felt the air hit me like a slap. I had not even covered five yards when I spun around and dashed back inside for my beanie. My brain kept asking if this was only the warm up.

I grabbed everything I thought could help me survive the walk. Scarf. Another scarf. That extra layer I always avoid because it feels bulky. But I still had the will to go. So I stepped outside again and pushed forward.

By the time I reached the Capitol I felt the cold sink deeper. The wind turned sharp and angry. I saw only a handful of people scattered across the grounds. Maybe twenty. On a normal day this part of the city is filled with visitors, but the low temperature seemed to swallow them all. A few landscapers worked on the gardens of the Capitol. They dug into the frozen soil and shifted plants as if the cold meant nothing. I kept moving around the barricades and headed toward the lagoon.

Then I saw it. The monument stood at the far end of the long stretch of grass. It looked small from where I stood. Almost like a toy stuck on the horizon. That sight gave me a push.

My legs moved on their own as if they were chasing something. I walked straight down the middle of the National Mall. The sky looked wide and open over me. Each step brought stronger wind. The cold tightened around my arms and snuck through the smallest gaps in my coat. My nose went numb. My ears too. I wrapped my arms around myself to hold in whatever warmth remained.

I stopped a few times to take photos. Each time I pulled out my phone and my camera my hands suffered. They turned stiff and slow as if the cold had taken over the bones. Yes the sun shone bright. But not a trace of heat reached the ground. I had not expected that. At home I felt bold enough to take on the world. Out here I felt like a confused tourist who misjudged the season. My mind kept throwing small doubts at me. Turn back. Warm up. Try another day. But I pushed on.

The monument kept growing taller with every step I took. It felt like it pulled me closer. I looked back once and saw the Capitol shrink in the distance. It looked like a model placed on a hill. Then finally I reached the base of the tall stone giant.

The wind hit even harder at the foot of the monument. I tried to steady myself. I walked around and saw the sign that said the inside was closed for maintenance. A few other visitors stood around with the same disappointed look. They must have missed the notice too. I placed my hand on the cold stone and felt my whole body shake.

The flags stood like a protective circle around the monument. Each one waved with force, almost in a proud rhythm. It felt like they were greeting every visitor who made it through the cold. I could hear the fabric stretch as the wind pulled it tight. A loud snap followed each strong gust. The sound echoed across the open field and added to the wild feel of the moment.

Lincoln Memorial stood in the distance as if calling me to keep going. But the cold answered for me. I could not walk another long stretch like that. I turned back.

I needed warmth. Any kind of warmth. I scanned the area for a nearby museum and made my way to the American History Museum. It felt like a shelter. I stayed for half an hour and slowly thawed. Then it was time to go home.

Each intersection became a small battle. I whispered to myself- few more blocks. Over and over. A tiny chant that kept my legs moving. When I finally reached my apartment I went straight for the heater. Warm air filled the room and wrapped around me like victory.

I will go again on a kinder day. When winter decides to loosen its grip a little. For now this walk is enough.