Even though it was getting colder both Anna and John thought it was important for the children to get their daily exercise, and even with things being busy at the hotel, they made a point of getting up and out early to get a decent walk that would ensure they started the day as they meant to go on.
There were some tired eyes at first, as well as the odd mumble of complaint that it was too cold to go outside; a fact that seemed all the more difficult to contend with when it meant leaving a cosy and warm bed to be immediately bathed in chill. John would put forth a rallying cry to his little adventurers, full of anticipation and eager talk about all the wonderful sights, sounds and smells that they might happen to encounter. Surely and not that slowly this did the trick of getting them into the mood, as well as Anna who also required a little coaxing – probably more so than the children, when it came down to it.
They were lucky to have their home and business somewhere so beautiful; just at the end of the village, where it was easy enough to reach the fields and woodland. They wouldn't go too far into the wilderness but there was no need to; there was more than enough room to roam. The grass was tinged with the white of the early morning frost, not yet melted away, the vast sky above a purple canvas which was brushed through with strokes of yellow; sunshine breaking through to make the day a beautiful, clear and crisp winter's one.
In years gone by he would have been somewhat reluctant to venture further than a few yards, too terrified that he would be made to pay for it later in the day with agonising pain that gnawed against his knee, travelling the length of his leg. Likely he would have been up for most of the night with it; days of discomfort the unfortunate price paid for what should have been nothing but a pleasure.
He was quite willing to make the sacrifice now, though it was no such thing at all. He felt that life could not be more idyllic as it was at this very moment, as he watched his children walk and skip and run in front of him, always so full of wonder at the world around them. His wife by his side, keeping in time with his steps, only ever drawing forward if something went amiss with one of the trio.
They continued to walk the edge of the frozen fields, Anna's arm linked with his, talking of the year that had been and looking ahead to the one that was to come, while not venturing too far into the distance.
Jack's voice travelled over the still air, and they looked at one another, more than a touch alarmed. They had learnt a lot in the time they had been parents, the number one thing not to overreact; things were never usually as bad as they seemed.
Still, it was impossible to let go of the shock of fear utterly and completely.
Anna picked up the pace, nearly bolting across the field, with John following as fast as he could behind. From where he was he could see all three of their children crouched near to the ground in a little clearing by some bushes, which were more twigs than foliage.
The cause of concern soon became apparent, with John hearing what the matter was from Jack's exclamations to Anna before he arrived properly at the scene.
"It looks hurt, Mum. Like it can't move its wing."
"Let's have a closer look," Anna said, gently warning the girls to stand up and move back.
Jack remained fast by her side, mirroring his mother's movements, except that his had more anxiety built into them.
John formed a guard around both of them, smiling at Anna when she looked up at him over her shoulder. Jack was too preoccupied with the injured bird lying helpless on the ground to notice the look of reassurance that passed between his parents.
"Should we take it home with us?" the boy asked, his breath coming out fast along with his words, making a mark on the freezing air.
"I think that's a good idea, son," John replied, removing his scarf to have something to shelter the bird with while it was held, "we can give it somewhere quiet and warm to recover."
"And when it is better, then we can let it fly away again," Anna added.
Emma and Charlotte seemed happy enough with that reasoning, and were already walking off again.
Jack, however, remained to be completely convinced. "But what if it doesn't get better?"
John and Anna looked to one another, not wanting to mislead their son with false hopes and outcomes that they couldn't be certain of. Now was not the time to confront the harsh reality that might have lay ahead, however.
"We'll do our best," John spoke first, his tone more confident than he felt inside.
Jack's eyes were wide and seemed glassy in the light that was still early, although the cold was perfectly capable of bringing tears on its own.
"And that's the best we can do," Anna added and also echoed, placing a hand on Jack's shoulder. His worries seemed to ease a little at the words from both his parents and from his mother's touch.
As soon as they got back to the house they set about making a shelter for the bird, with John's scarf still accompanying it. The presence of the creature caused excitement amongst the girls and a protective instinct in Jack, and Anna and John had work in keeping all three away at first. Eventually the situation calmed, and as a family they checked on it at regular intervals.
Over the days, even the hours, it was evident to see improvements. What they had first considered to be a broken wing was not so, Anna and John concluding that the bird must have been in shock, with the low temperature not helping matters.
On the morning of Christmas Eve, another bright and frozen one, they took the cardboard box into the garden, Jack being the one to hold it with careful hands. It was the wonder of nature, to see such a small thing take flight once more, so swiftly. John pointed out the path with his hand, although of course they couldn't be completely sure that it was where the bird had travelled. As cold as the day was, their hearts were warmed by the good deed they had done.
There was a little moping, but the occasion of the day soon took over everyone's thoughts, and it was only when they climbed into bed that night that they took the time to reflect.
"I suppose we'll have to be on our guard," John said, with not too much apprehension, "they might want a kitten or a puppy next."
Although he thought that a smaller animal might be a more reasonable step up, first.
Anna only smiled, resting her head against his arm as the lights went out.
"I think the first port of call is to get you a new scarf."