A white canvas engulfed the ground beneath two siblings’ feet. Robin sat against an old tree stump while she watched her brother create angels in the snow. He placed two feet firmly into the ground and began to mold more snow into a large snowball.
“I’ll help you build a snowman,” Robin left her seat and proceeded to gather snow herself. In a few brief minutes, Robin gave up after her fingers turned numb. She grew tired of having the snow collapse beneath her before she was able to create a snowy sphere.
Robin glanced over at the frosty forest located westward; a curiosity came over her. The sun crept near the hilltops and soon after a figure emerged before Robin. She turned toward her brother.
“Jay, look between the two hills. Do you see it?”
“No,” her brother responded and returned to building his snowman. Robin realized the figure was pacing toward them. As the figure neared the two, Robin could see it was another child.
“Do you want to play with me?” The small child inquired. “I know somewhere warm.” It was Robin who answered.
“What is your name?”
“I call myself Peron,” the child cooed. “Come with me. I know somewhere fun.” Robin contemplated, staring back at the setting sun.
“Don’t worry,” Peron reassured Robin. “You will be back in no time.” Robin’s feet had lost feeling from the frigid weather, but the thought of adventure excited her.
“Jay!” Robin turned back to her brother. “ Let’s go to the frosty forest. It will be fun.”
Jay stared at Robin with hesitation. “Won’t we be late for supper?” Robin pondered this question, but waved it away with no compunction. Reluctantly, Jay stood up to chase after Robin - who was chasing after Peron. Before entering the forest, Robin paused to take in a deep breath. The brisk air stung Robin’s lungs. A tug on her sleeve made Robin jolt.
“I want to go back,” Jay pleaded looking up at Robin. “I’m cold.” Robin glanced back at the now set sun.
Peron, hidden from the pine trees, called out, “The sun has only set, there is still light. Do not fret, you will feel the warmth you desire where we are headed.” Robin restated what Peron had said to herself.
“But there is warmth at home!” Jay had to yell to be heard, for Robin was now deep in the forest. Reluctantly, Jay trudged up toward Robin.
The sun had now completely set. The darkness engulfed the two siblings. It was beginning to get harder and harder for robin to perceive Peron in the darkness.
“I’m going back!” Jay ran off out of sight in the direction they originated from.
Alarmed, Robin cried out, “you will get lost!” But when Robin had gazed back at the now set sun, she could not see Jay. Robin’s fingers were now frozen, and her eyes stung with tears falling down her face. Robin peered behind her only to find Peron had disappeared from view.
“Jay?” Robin yelled out. After no response followed, Robin screamed at the top of her lungs, “Jay! Jay! Jay!” Robin lay on the ground in defeat. She did not feel the warmth she was promised.
The little Robin was cold.