The Snow Brat

A captivating orchestra of lights blazoned the city’s night as Christmas jumper-clad revellers pirouetted merrily through the streets. Sparkling melodies tangoed through the ears of delighted children as they gazed in wonderment at the illuminations.

It had been a long time since her footsteps had crunched the soft powder on these narrow roads. The town existed as if the freezing temperature had somehow suspended the passage of time, yet, her life unveiled itself, moment by moment. Life evolves, she thought with a smile, but with some annoyance, she added, this town would never change.

An unfamiliar person tumbled up to her in a brightly decorated Christmas sweater before exuberantly stating, “Do you remember me? I am Stefanie,” she continued with too bright of cheer.

Forcing a smile on her face, she quickly spoke, “Yes, of course,” as her eyes darted around in a futile attempt to find an exit.

Grabbing his gloved hand tightly, she felt relieved as his beautiful Welsh accent broke the tension, “It’s nice to meet you, My Lovely,” with a slight bow. “We should be going now, Foxette. Your family is waiting,” before he stealthily led her away from a very perplexed former friend.

Giving him a look that contained all the gratefulness in the universe, she exclaimed, “Thank you!” before pulling him into a tight embrace.

“Why were you wanting to escape her so badly, My Little One?” he questioned with a slight smirk.

She tilted her head to one side before her breath escaped her in a long woosh. “We would have been standing there for centuries if we would have let her start talking.” She stated with dramatic force, she rambles, "My Raven and her ramblings lead to nothing and nowhere.”

“Pedantic, this evening, aren’t we?” he interjected. Squeezing her hand tightly with a thoughtful glow, he continued, “To use the term brat would be an understatement, yet one I know will make that angelic face of yours brim from cheek to cheek.”

Glittered stars sprinkled the evening blanket as he wrapped his love around her. Nuzzling her head under his chin, she smiled to prove his last statement right, “But, I’m your Little Brat, Sir,” she stated with a bit of a laugh.

*****

Author's note: It's beginning to look a lot like Christmas. Along with the beautiful bright lights, gorgeous snow covered hills, and family parties, the holiday often embodies stress and forced social interactions, like the one depicted in this story written with my Teddy Bear, constant companion, comfort, brilliant poet and eternal love, Raven.

This is just our reminder to be gentle with yourself around this holiday season. There will always be situations that frustrate us, but it's how we react to them that matters. It's acceptable to take a break, find a bit of solace, and exit to some quiet due to an overly crowded room, tense situation, or frustrating environment.

Please be safe this holiday season, both physically and emotionally. Amidst the bustle of the holiday season, please consider the magnitude of the moment and take some time to be thankful for what you have. Life is fleeting, and despite our times of feeling invincible, we will soon be snuffed out like a mere candle flame on a blustery winter night.

Even in the most stressful of times, life is a beautiful, spectacular, and miraculous gift. So, when an annoying "Stefanie" appears as a blight on your holiday season, take it in stride. It's a mere moment in the tapestry of moments that compose your life.

Happy holidays!

Signed with Love,

Raven and Isabella. xxx