LE CAPSULE, VOLUME 45, NO. 3
LITTLE CHILDREN UNDER THE SNOW PA R I MÈN E O ULD-RAMO UL (I) It was snowing. The snow may not have lasted, but it was enough to make Alva and Andeas happy. Twirling around in the flakes gives them so much energy. Seri sat on a flat rock, observing the children running between bushes and trees. She made the right choice to bring them here, a change of place and pace. This part of the forest, left untouched by the ever-present construction sites, made a perfect place to take a walk and breathe. Seri brought her hands together and blew a shaky breath on them, in an attempt to warm them. Winter had somehow turned into something cold and lonely when it was not before. “Alva, Andeas!” Seri called. She had to bring them home before the sunset, she promised. Then again, they could stay a little longer. She needed to take her problems out of her head and run with them for a while. Graceful steps hovered over the thin coat of snow. As she sneaked up to Andeas, Seri smiled, leaving behind what was on her mind. Just this time. This one time. For them. Andeas looked back. Too late. “What do we have here?” Seri lifted the boy and held him tight as she ran towards Alva. “Little children under the snow,” she caught her breath, “one last game before we go.” “Already? Come on, big sister!” Alva pouts, “I still haven’t found a great fir tree to show to Andeas.” In answer to his name, the boy fiddled in Seri’s
arms, and joined his sibling in a jump. “Really? You haven’t found a place to hide your treasures?” The pair shook their heads no. “Okay, I’ll walk with you. I have to bring you angels home after. I could make you hot milk with cocoa if you want.” “Hot cocoa! Let’s go, Alva, let’s go!” Andeas knew how to engage his older sister into his adventures. Laughter rose between them. Next time they would bring Aaron, and they would make a snowman. Behind them, Seri followed, noticing the shadows of the trees and their own silhouettes growing. It got dark faster around this time of year. How busy they would get with the holidays, and how tiring work would become. Even if she found herself caught up in her studies and finals, she couldn’t refuse to help Aaron. His siblings loved her, and she found them adorable. They had come to appreciate Aaron’s first friend, they even considered her part of their family. Not to mention, she enjoyed the time they spent together, with them, with him. If Seri wanted to be back home in time, she would have to help them find a fir tree fast. A gloved hand grabbed Seri’s hand. “Seri,” Andeas said, “did you know? Alva has been going to middle school since last spring and doesn’t say anything about it.” “There’s nothing to say!” she replied. “It’s on the other side of town, so you’ll have to wake your sleepy bum early.” She seemed on the defensive.
DÉCEMBRE 2021 – LE CAPSULE – 31
