Alongside the wintry landscape, there was the quiet little town of Briar Mare. December snow blanketed the rooftops and candles lit the dim, frosty windows; a wreath was hanging on every door. At night, the roads were lit by the light of Christmas trees in every house. In a small house in the center of town lived the Darlingtons with their only daughter, Edith. Across Briar Mare lived the Reynolds and her best friend, Atlas.
Both were very close, and have known each other since they could walk. Every winter, the pair would spend the first snowy day of the season bundled up in the snow. It was magical to Edith, the snow covering the world in white, icicles like glass hanging from the trees, ice skating on Farmer Gray’s farm, and sledding down Foxsted hill on the edge of town. But with time, the pair grew distant and into a busy world, that is until the wintry morning Atlas knocked on the Darlington’s door.
Edith was surprised to see Atlas standing outside, even more surprised when she saw a wooden sleigh behind him. A mare was ahead of the sleigh, her red harness held silver, tinkling bells. Edith approached the horse, touching her auburn mane.
Atlas guided her to the velvet seat of the sleigh and climbed in, putting a quilt around them before setting off. The sleigh glided through the snow, its blades moving silently over the ice. Edith loved as the sled sped up, the frosty wind now blowing in her face, and twinkling bells jingled in her ears. Looking around, Edith gasped. It had just started to snow.
With the fresh snow blanketing the houses and shops, her neighbors started wandering outside to experience the winter wonderland. Edith could see coats of all colors and kids running outside with their arms opened wide. Some of them waved as they saw the pair, others yelled their hellos and how-do-you-dos. Atlas suddenly turned from the town and towards the forest. Edith smiled and knew they were heading to Foxsted hill.
Atlas pulled to a stop and helped Edith down from the sleigh, and they started up the white hill. It was nice to be back on Foxsted; from the top, you can see all of Briar Mare. Edith and Atlas stood looking down at the town and the wilderness surrounding them, all blanketed in white. Something caught her eye on the edge of the landscape. The little dots of families were all walking toward Farmer Gray’s farm. She looked at Atlas and realized that it must be Farmer Gray’s birthday.
Atlas and Edith ran down the hill and quickly hopped into the sleigh, driving the mare full speed through the wintry fields toward Farmer Gray’s home. Laughing along and the trees a blur behind them, their anxieties vanished into the snow. At last, they pull up next to the stable, leading the sleigh and mare inside.
Walking up the steps of the wooden porch, the sweet cinnamon smell of pumpkin pie and the aroma of fresh coffee filled the air. Edith held Atlas’ arm as they went into the party for some holiday cheer.
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