Snow fluttered down from the thick cloud cover, blanketing the woods like frosting on a cake and soaking up all sound like a sponge, leaving not even a bird call in its wake. Richard trudged along, ice and dead leaves crunching beneath his feet. The forest that surrounded him now was a world away from the vibrant timberland he had chosen as his final resting place so long ago now. Had it really been over a year? Closer to two at this point. Today, he made sure to keep careful track of where he'd left the truck. He had no intention of staying in these woods today, not when there was so much to do.

At the sight of a squat, round conifer, his footsteps were overtaken as Tommy rushed forward. "Look Meemaw!" he cried, nose and cheeks blooming scarlet in the cold.

"It's lovely, dear." Gillian had lagged behind, her dainty shoes no match for the uneven earth, but she sauntered up to them now and pulled her fur stole tight around her shoulders. "But I think we should find a great big one for the ballroom. Don't you agree?"

"But I want this one," the boy whined.

Richard cupped his shoulder and leaned down to mutter in his ear, "Maybe we can. Come back for it." This proved enough to placate the child, who nodded and skipped on up ahead.

By now, Gillian had forged ahead as well, and the caretaker dutifully followed. Though they were surrounded by trees, none was good enough for the matriarch, who paid them little mind as she described once more their goal: "It should be large but not too large. A nice, even shape. And don't forget we'll need room for the star on top."

On and on they marched, further into the silent woods, but Gillian's ideal still hadn't materialized. Just as he was about to suggest they turn back, they spotted it: a statuesque Douglas fir, full at the base and tapering gracefully to a noble peak. It was a handsome tree, just begging to be displayed in a grand hall, branches dripping with glass and tinsel and glittering lights and surrounded by the lush opulence its presence commanded.

"It's perfect," Gillian cooed beside him, her eyes crinkled and sparkling with joy.