Playtime in the Pines
What the Children Know
The entire Paradise in the Pines community had gathered at the huge, central meadow to take advantage of the unprecedented, but welcome, 30 inches of fresh snow that had fallen overnight. The clear, crisp air rang with the laughter of children and adults, interspersed with excited barking.
Snow forts had appeared, guarded by stoic sentinels made of three spherical parts, and manned by small soldiers in colorful snow suits. Barrages of glistening, white projectiles flew to meet sorties from behind the walls, finding victims that collapsed in mirthful laughter on the field. Casualties counted off the required seconds, then rose, resurrected, to race back to safety.
The sun shone down merrily on the mock carnage as parents bore witness and occasionally added a few well-placed artillery rounds of their own, to balance the score. As tradition demanded, there would be no losers in this battle.
A sudden, soft gust coaxed a small whirlwind to life in the center of the meadow. Unnoticed at first, it grew quickly into a tall, but slowly rotating cyclone that sparkled as it carried snow crystals skyward.
As if a switch was flipped, refracted sunlight suddenly streamed out in dozens of brilliant, multicolored beams. Everything and everyone in the meadow was bathed in dancing color and light, intense, but somehow not blinding.
The spectacle was gone as suddenly as it started. Awestruck parents stood in wonder. The children grinned, waving surreptitiously at their fairy friends hiding, giggling, among the tall trees.
About the Creator
Dana Crandell
Dad, Stedpad, Grandpa, Husband, lover of Nature and dogs.
Poet, Writer, Editor, Photographer, Artist and Tech/Internet nerd. Content writer by trade. Vocal Creator by choice.
Reader insights
Outstanding
Excellent work. Looking forward to reading more!
Top insights
Compelling and original writing
Creative use of language & vocab
Easy to read and follow
Well-structured & engaging content
Excellent storytelling
Original narrative & well developed characters
Eye opening
Niche topic & fresh perspectives
Heartfelt and relatable
The story invoked strong personal emotions
Masterful proofreading
Zero grammar & spelling mistakes
On-point and relevant
Writing reflected the title & theme
Comments (13)
Beautiful imagery, Dana! I could see the scene so clearly. Loved the narration of the snowball fight. Such an enjoyable read!
I could feel the chatter and excitement of the day. What a wonderful, happy read :) Loved this!
What beautiful thoughts you have planted in my head!
The way you write gives me "Hemingway Vibes" it makes me nostalgic to read "A Farewell To Arms" for the first time again. I am on to read part 2 of this, very excited to see where you take it.
Sounds like a riot, wish I was there!
You painted an amazing picture here. Well done!
I just so wanted to BE in this story.
Whoaaaa, this was so magical and wholesome! I enjoyed your story so much!
I love the way this story progressed! Great submission to the challenge
I like how you started with the very realistic 30' of snow dumped on the world then end with fairies.... now that is range.
A magical scene if ever there was one. Well done, Dana.
Thirty inches? Yikes! This is masterfully written, Dana. Your description of a snowball fight is magical!
Beautifully written, and so wholesome.... but now I need a chapter two where the fairies turn out to be hideous fae people who abduct the children, or something wholesome like that.