Wonderland

Disclaimer: I don't own any characters in the story.

Character(s): Amy

She wasn't sure what made winter so enjoyable for her, but regardless of this indecision, Amy always looked forward to the season and welcomed it with arms wide open. It may not have been her favorite season (that title probably goes to summer), but there are so many things that make it a worthwhile – if not outright amazing – season to experience.

To be completely honest, Amy didn't understand why anyone wouldn't like winter. She could understand hating the cold weather; to be fair, Amy could do without that, too, but then she wouldn't have a chance to show off her stylish winter-wear. After all, there are not many other times where you can really get away with wearing snow boots while not getting stared at. Other than that, the only complaint Amy could really recall was the snow, and believe her; Sonic's given them all grief about that.

Still, there are a lot more pros than cons.

Without winter, you wouldn't have Christmas, and everything that comes with it; partying with friends, heartfelt gift exchanges, the delectable sweets, etc. Not to mention the overall ambience surrounding the season; seriously, this is the season of nightlife.

Amy couldn't count how many times during this season she decided to stroll through downtown Station Square, just for the fun of it. No matter where you go, the city was just so lively, more so than in other seasons – barring summer. However, with that season, the experience is just not the same; it just can't compare with the vibrant atmosphere of winter, whatnot with all the various lights strung up everywhere, the blow-up decorations of Santa, and other various festive nativity scenes.

With the scenery, the people change as well; generally, in this time of giving, everyone was much more generous, much more thoughtful and considerate. It was almost as if everyone suddenly caught the Christmas flu, the various symptoms including that of increased spirit and cheer, as well as an empty wallet by the end of the season, a guaranteed side effect.

Amy, with all her boundless optimism, could more than well keep up with the city's enthusiastic, never-ending uproar, but her favorite part of the city to visit during these nightly walks was the outskirts, and – more specifically – the beautiful park lining the north part of town. The place was peaceful, with all the snow-lined pathways, a thin layer of snowflakes coating the trees with fine white powder; it was truly refreshing after the general chaos occurring in the midst of the public.

This kind of atmosphere was almost impossible to experience in any other time: the snow, the lights . . . the stars. They were a big part of why Amy cherished these little trips so much; the sky so much clearer in winter, and each star shone so much brighter, acting as beacons of light for the lost and broken to follow. One can really appreciate this view once away from all the artificial lights generated by us mortal beings; no light we ever make can ever compare to this.

It was just so breathtaking to take in a full, untarnished view of the entire night sky, a blanket of stars that seems to stretch on forever and ever. Upon first sight of such an expansive, free outlook of the world, Amy realized just how big the world is, how amazing the planet they were inhabiting was. It's also during this view when, faced with such a vast perspective, one also realizes how small they are when compared with the whole of the world; still, it's not always a bad thing to be aware of your limits.

That's why Amy always plan to go stargazing at least once each winter, if not more, especially if the opportunity to share this experience with a friend arises. When Amy first took Cream here with her, and showed her all of this, the six-year-old had been nearly speechless, save for a brief squeal of childlike joy, her eyes widening in awe. To be honest, Amy didn't feel much different.

Yeah, there truly was such a thing as a winter wonderland.

Smokestep: I'm going in such an odd order, but I suppose that's what happens when you let your gut instinct make your decision for you. There's a method to my madness, I swear! Anyhow, this is a slightly shorter chapter, but hopefully it's just as good. However, I'll leave that for you to decide; once you do form an opinion, why not share it? I'm all ears.

Responses To Reviews:

Katiemonz: Thank you!

ShinyShiny9: It was at this point I realized I had not mentioned anything from the game canon, and I wanted to have some connection, and I figured that chapter was as good a place as any. Anyway, thanks for your comment!

Twin-books: Is this soon enough? For that matter, is it cute enough? It has a slight mention of Cream; surely that counts for something! Eh, probably not. Also, your welcome. Thank you for your lovely reviews.