by Wendy Andersen

Created on: November 28, 2009

A glorious new winter's day had dawned. Cool winter sunlight pierced the window of Grace's bedroom, dancing on her eyelids, rousing her from dreamland. Sleep slipping away she stretched her arms high above her head, then rubbing her face, her eyes focused as she sat up. Grace felt the coolness in the air even before rising. Quickly she wrapped her robe about her as she rushed to the window. A pristine white carpet decked the landscape as far as she could see. Snow clad branches of the mighty oak standing proud in the garden glistened in the sunlight.

All Grace wanted was to run outside as quickly as she could and leave her mark on the freshly fallen snow. Half dressed she ran downstairs hoping to slip out without being noticed. But mother was waiting with a freshly cooked breakfast. "The snow will be there when you have eaten" she reprimanded. Obediently, Grace sat at the table and downed the meal as quickly as she could. Her mother's smile giving her permission to leave the table, and up she jumped and finished dressing.

Mother wasn't far behind. Grace skipped down the newly cleared steps, and bounced onto the pathway. The snow crunched under boots, and little stars sparkled on the ground as she ran over the untouched carpet of snow. Walking on her mother called, "We have to hurry or we will freeze", Grace's heart was warm and full of joy; her little body tingling with excitement, the last thing she felt was cold! Still, she followed her mother, and they walked on, Grace half running, making her mark on the pathway. As she breathed the cool air hit her nostrils and she laughed, it was a strange sensation.

A little way further on mother met a neighbor and stopped for chat. Grace was impatient, as she wanted to be the first to tread on the untouched snow all the way to the shops. She couldn't stand still, sweeping some snow together she tossed it at her mother. They all laughed as the snow crystals fell around them. "Alright, we are going now" her mother said, brushing the flakes from her eyelids, and they were off again, their neighbor waving a quick goodbye before hurrying back to the warmth of the fire.

Treading onwards, Grace jumped here and there, making deep impressions in the snowdrifts. This was the best walk she had taken in a long time, and wished and hoped it would snow again tomorrow!

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