Snow Angels

 Winter fun

The drive home was slow, but Bruce didn't mind. The softly falling snow painted the world in a dreamy haze, covering every tiny branch on the trees and muffling the usual sounds of traffic. He rolled down his window, allowing the crisp winter air to fill his car, and breathed in deeply, savoring the quiet beauty around him.

"So beautiful," he murmured under his breath, mesmerized by the tranquility and serenity of the snow-covered landscape. The trees stood tall and proud, adorned in shimmering white with delicate icicles hanging from their branches. The bushes were transformed into round, fluffy shapes, looking like they were wearing cozy winter coats.

As he pulled into his driveway and got out of his car, a chorus of silver bell laughter greeted him. His daughter, Sammy, ran to give him a hug followed by a group of her first-grader friends. They all looked like little snowmen with their hats and mittens and rosy cheeks.

"Looks like your play date is going well," Bruce chuckled as he hugged Sammy tightly and took in the heartwarming sight of the bundled-up children playing in the snow. It was moments like this that made braving through the cold winter worth it.

"Yes, daddy, we're having so much fun!" little Sammy shouted; her voice filled with pure joy. Her mittens were covered in snow as she excitedly showed off the snowman they had built together.

Bruse smiled as he watched his daughter play. The winter sun cast a warm glow on the children's rosy cheeks and their laughter echoed through the snowy backyard.

As he looked up, he saw his wife Sarah walking toward him with a content smile on her face. He pulled her into a hug, feeling grateful for this moment of blissful family time.

But then he noticed Muffin, their beloved St. Bernard, sitting behind the sliding door longingly staring through the glass. "Aww...why didn't you let that poor dog come outside to play? Look at that sad face!" he pointed out to his wife.

Sarah sighed and explained, "I wanted to, but one of Sammy's little friends started crying as soon as she saw Muffin. She got scared by her size, so I had to leave her inside. Don't worry, we'll play with her after the parents pick up the kids. They should be here in about half an hour."

Bruce nodded understandingly but couldn't help feeling a twinge of sadness for their gentle giant who just wanted to join in on the fun with her family.

With a glance at the forlorn dog, Bruce joined the children in their winter wonderland. Giggles and shouts filled the crisp air as they rolled snow into balls, stacking them on top of each other to create a makeshift snowman with a carrot nose and flowerpot hat.

As the sun began to set, Sarah noticed how red-cheeked and tired the children had become. She dropped down onto the soft, powdery snow and spread her arms, creating a perfect snow angel. The children eagerly followed suit, flattening out the snow until there were a dozen snow angels scattered across the backyard.

Just as they were finishing up, cars started pulling into the driveway, signaling the end of their snowy playtime. Amidst excited shouts of thanks and goodbyes, the yard fell silent.

Sammy ran up to the door and let Muffin out, who wasted no time bounding over to Bruce and Sarah. The dog showered them with slobbery kisses before joining Sammy in rolling around in the remaining patches of untouched snow. They played chase and tug-of-war with Muffin's beloved blue toy bear until all three of them were panting and out of breath from laughter.

The cold air nipped at their faces as Sarah shouted for Sammy to come inside and have some hot cocoa. The trio made their way toward the warm, welcoming door, but when Sarah turned around to see if Muffin was following, the dog hesitated and headed off in a different direction.

"Let her stay a little longer. Maybe she needs to do her business," Bruce suggested, a slight smile on his lips. "She'll let us know when she's ready to come in."

After they changed into dry clothes and huddled by the fireplace, Bruce ventured to the sliding door with a steaming cup of cocoa in hand. As he peered outside, his eyes widened in amazement. "Sarah, Sammy!" he called out, trying not to startle them. "Come quickly!"

Panicked, Sarah rushed to the door and asked, "What's wrong?"

"Look!" Bruce whispered, pointing at Muffin who Buster from down the street with a nose rub. "Her friend came to play."

They watched as the best friends chased each other in the snow, and then Muffin plopped down onto her side and began moving her legs up and down, creating a snow angel. Buster sat beside her, watching intently before bursting into his own flurry of snow-kicking fun.

"Aww...they look so happy," Sarah gushed, her heart warming at the sight. 

Sammy smiled in delight. "Muffin is teaching Buster how to make snow angels!" 

Erika M Szabo

https://authorerikamszabo.com

Erika loves to dance to her own tunes and follow her dreams, introducing her story-writing skills and her books that are based on creative imagination with themes such as magical realism, alternate history, urban fantasy, cozy mystery, sweet romance, and supernatural stories. Her children’s stories are informative and educational and deliver moral values in a non-preachy way.