In the days that followed, the cold weather lessened.
The skies gradually went bluer, and the sun's warmth felt stronger. I knew we were creeping into the holidays, and soon it'd be the time of gift giving.
This would be the first time I would be away from home celebrating it-without my father, and without my brother.
I felt a pang in my chest; though I could invite my father anytime to New Puerto, I could never do the same to my brother. The loss of Caleb hit me out of nowhere now and then, and I sighed as I wandered through the gardens.
This time around, I wore my favorite tunic with a light cloak, my long pants tucked neatly into boots that were made for walking in the snow. Quill was out in his gathering and wouldn't return until later in the day, and instead of being cooped inside of the house all day, I decided to see the gardens.
