Chapter 29 - The First Snowfall
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The first major snowstorm of the year arrived in mid-December, completely blanketing the estate in a thick, pristine layer of shimmering white snow.
Leo woke up early, running into Richardās bedroom and jumping excitedly onto the mattress.
āDaddy! Wake up! The world is white!ā Leo screamed, pulling the heavy down comforter off his sleeping father.
Richard groaned playfully, rubbing his tired eyes, but he couldn't resist the infectious joy radiating from his son. He looked out the window. The rolling green pastures had been entirely transformed into a magical winter wonderland.
āAlright, alright, Iām up,ā Richard laughed, throwing his legs over the side of the bed. āGo get your snow boots and your thickest mittens. We have serious work to do.ā
An hour later, Richard and Leo were outside in the freezing cold, rolling massive, heavy balls of wet snow across the front lawn. They were constructing the largest snowman the village had ever seen.
āHe needs a nose, Daddy!ā Leo demanded, patting the snow firmly into place.
Clara stepped out onto the porch, holding a large orange carrot and an old, battered top hat.
āI brought supplies for the gentleman,ā Clara smiled, handing the items to Leo.
May you like
Leo proudly jammed the carrot into the center of the snowmanās face and placed the top hat carefully on its head.
Richard stepped back, wrapping his arm around his sonās shoulders as they admired their frozen masterpiece. The cold air stung their cheeks, but their hearts were incredibly warm. They spent the rest of the morning having a ruthless, chaotic snowball fight, their laughter echoing loudly across the silent, snow-covered valley, completely free and entirely happy.
