3. Fire Places
Stevie gave the snow globe a few more shakes to watch the snow swirl around inside. Stevie set the snow globe on the mantle of the fireplace, its swirling flakes a reminder of winter's past. Holli, nestled on the rug in front of the fireplace, watching Stevie quietly. The warmth of the fireplace bathed the room in a golden glow as snow fell softly outside.
“Do you ever miss it?” Holli asked gently.
Stevie nodded, lost in thought. “I used to crave solitude, but now... I just want to share it with someone.”
Holli smiled. “You’re not alone, Stevie. Not anymore.”
The old grandfather clock chimed, and Holli’s eyes brightened with sudden inspiration. She disappeared briefly, returning with a worn leather book. “I found this in my attic when I was clearing it a few days ago,” she said. “It’s a collection of old winter tales from the town. I thought we could read some together.”
Stevie’s eyes lit up as she flipped through the fragile pages. “This is perfect,” she whispered. As they settled by the fire, Stevie began reading *The Legend of the Frozen Heart*.
The room filled with her soft voice, the crackling fire, and the sound of snow tapping against the windows. For that evening, time stood still, wrapped in the warmth of friendship and the magic of old stories.
