Disclaimer on profile.
"But mom…" Tai whined, collapsing onto one of the couches with a dramatic flair. "I don't wanna go to the store!"
She ignored his plea and handed him some money, listing off what she required him to purchase.
"Make sure you remember the eggs, alright? Oh, and pick me up some apples for my new recipe." She glanced at her son, who was still slumped on the couch. "Hurry up, Tai. The store won't be open all day. And bring your sister with you—she's been bored for hours."
Tai trudged to the door in reluctance, pretending he was a brain-dead zombie as Kari whizzed past him, whistle blowing in excitement. She raced to put on her coat and shoes, ending up with the buttons done up wrong and her shoes on the opposite feet. Tai sighed and bent down to help her, mumbling about the unfairness of life as he did so.
"Alright," Tai announced, tying his own shoelaces, "here's how it's gonna go, Kari: we'll race to the store, grab all the stuff we need, and then race back. Sound good?"
Kari nodded enthusiastically, her toddler body buzzing joyously. Tai opened the door, grabbed her hand, and they were off.
Outside, it was chilly and their breath puffed in white clouds that vanished within seconds of being created. Tai tugged on his sister's hand, trying to drag her along faster. All he wanted was to get home as soon as possible. He noticed absent-mindedly that there weren't very many people out today, probably because of the weather. Tai was so focused on getting to the store quickly that he was barely aware of Kari tugging on his hand as well.
"No time to stop, Kari. We're racing, remember?"
She stopped running completely, forcing Tai to slow down as well. He sighed, exasperated by his sister's inability to keep up with him. He knew her legs were short, but he wanted to get home quickly.
"What is it?" Tai asked, exuding patience as he reigned in his temper. "Is something wrong, Kari?"
Kari shook her head slowly, but pointed up at the sky with her tiny gloved finger. Tai glanced up, not seeing anything important, but Kari continued gesturing and Tai was forced to take a closer look.
Tiny, miniscule snowflakes were shimmering and swaying in the wind as they fell softly to the ground. Kari caught one on her glove and held it close to her face, examining it thoroughly and with a sense of childish curiosity. Tai watched in absolute wonder as the snow began to cover the sidewalk and the streets. Winter had never been his favourite season, simply because there was no soccer, but he'd always been entranced by snow whenever it came around.
He tugged on Kari's hand once more and said gently, "Let's race to the store, pick up the groceries and race back home… and then have a snowball fight!"
Kari's whistle of agreement couldn't have been louder.
Reviews are appreciated... thanks!