Hollybrooke snowed in, blanketing everything with a calm, pristine white. The quaint
village, with Its quaint shops and welcoming people, became imbued with a magical
quality during the Christmas season. Clara peered out the window, coffee warming
her hands, wondering how she had missed the charm of her. hometown while living
elsewhere. Everywhere she'd look, children would rush by, their laughter ringing
through the air—some were. Bundled, with sleds behind each, and still others,
crafting snowmen with scarves, etc. carrots. Clara's heart squeezed. She wished for
nothing more than to seize the beauty of the season. but felt held back by her grief.
Mommy, can we go outside? Lily begged, the excitement in her face blooming as she
rolled in. in layers.
"Sure, sweetheart! Just give me a minute, Clara said, pulling herself away from her
swirling. thoughts. Preparing to exit with her daughter, she told herself what a good
idea it was to do so. to embrace the simple joys of life. When they were both ready,
they went out in the white world. Clara watched as Lily dashed into the snow, her
laughter pouring over the village like a sprinkle of fairy dust. Clara felt her heart lift,
remembering the innocent joy of being a child at Christmastime.
"Look, Mommy! I'm making a snow angel! Lily shrieked, joyfully flopping in the soft
snow, her arms. and legs flapping up and down. When Clara met Lily in the snow, a
few snowflakes stuck to the front of her nose, and she shut tight, letting out the
sensation of meeting the snowflakes. chill and freedom. This was the joy she had
been missing.
"Can I help you make a snowman? Lily asked, her cheeks rosy from the cold.
"Absolutely! Let's find the perfect spot, Clara replied, her heart warming at the sight
of Lily's. enthusiasm. They made a snowman together, bit by bit each laugh ringing in
the winter pale. Clara found Solace in the uncomplicated beat rhythm, the physical
activities keeping her mind busy. They adorned Their snowman with a carrot nose
and buttons made of coal that they previously had discovered in a rusty old tin.
"Now it just needs a scarf! Lily proclaimed, dashing back toward the cottage. Clara
chuckled, following her daughter inside. As they fastened the scarf around the
snowman, Clara's heart. swelled with love and joy—she realized these moments
were what she needed most. The afternoon melted into an evening filled with
warmth. Clara managed not to think about her ex- husband, choosing instead to
focus on the little things—the sound of Lily's laughter and the spark of. happiness
that flourished in her daughter's eyes. Thereafter in the evening, Clara made hot
cocoa while Lily colored pictures in the living room. The aroma of Chocolate filled the
air mingling with pine. As Clara handed Lily her cup, she couldn't help but notice how
her daughter always seemed to find joy in the smallest things.
"Can I take a picture of our snowman tomorrow? Lily asked, her enthusiasm bubbling
over. Sure! Clara said, a feeling of happiness spread through her. "We'll make a
whole album of our Christmas adventures!"
Once they settled in for the night, Clara read to Lily from a worn storybook, the two
of them tucked. beneath layers of blankets. Once the story was complete they
switched off the lights, leaving behind only the. twinkling glow of the Christmas tree.
But as Clara lay in the bed that night, the isolation fell about her in the form of a
strangleing cloth. She yearned for more than just fleeting moments of joy; she
craved stability, companionship, and. love. But right now, all she felt was loneliness.