“It’s nice to see you, but you know you don’t have to visit, right?” he huffed out, smiling softly, and holding onto the door for support.
“Oh, hush Father Winter, you know that I never fail to miss a visit!” He continued to smile and shook his head gently, moving to the side to allow me in. I took in the surroundings and didn’t see one thing out of place from the year previous. The only addition was the little ornaments and winter decorations that I brought. He always had space since most of his shelves were dusty and empty. The dust was a reminder that he was getting older. How it was getting harder for him to maintain the cottage.
I sat in the usual one of two chairs that sat in front of the fireplace, making myself comfortable. I looked back and watched Father Winter shuffle slowly to the other remaining chair. It took him a bit more energy than me, but he finally reached the chair and laid his hands on the ancient armrests and let himself land. Letting out a little grunt, I ignored the fact that he looked even older in the firelight than before. I couldn’t let it bother me that it pained me to see him all worn from the years of upholding Winter.
“So what did you bring old Father Winter this time?” He inquired. I went ahead and put down the wicker basket onto the wooden floor and lifted up the flannel. I pulled out the item I brought and unwrapped the cloth. It was a palm-sized snowglobe that had a tiny little cottage with bright windows surrounded by trees. There was a little snowman upfront with some children playing around in the snow. His eyes lit up, and I handed him the present. I then set out to pull out the food I brought. Some blueberry muffins and scones were presented, and Father Winter put the snowglobe on his side table. He gingerly grabbed the cloth I was holding out with a muffin and a scone and admired them.
“Mom thought this time she would try out blueberries in scones, and I think they turned out wonderful, just like her famous muffins!” Father Winter brought the scone up to his mouth and took a good-sized bite. No “thank you” was given as the last few years he’s been more invested with acting on his stomach’s impulse. It was very uncommon that he got any gifts or visitors other than me.
He realized his manners and said, “My goodness, Spring knows how to bake! It’s just as I remembered! Please give my thanks and regards to Spring as always!” Father Winter continued to munch down the rest of the scone and the whole muffin. Once he was satisfied, he wriggled a bit and relaxed in the chair. As he absorbed the heat from the fireplace, he continued, “That was delicious! How is Spring doing nowadays? How is she holding up? How are the little ones?”
“Mom is doing great despite dad not being around. Her time has been filled up with trying to wrangle the three younger ones. Who knew girls could be such a handful?” He laughed a gentle laugh, and sadness crept to the corners of his eyes. He looked away from me towards the fire, and I knew then it was time to reveal my other present.
“It’s okay grandfather, I’m here for you.” My grandfather jolted and turned to me. Leaning over, I patted him gently on the arm. His body shook, and so did his voice.
“H-how did you know?” his lip quivered, and his cheeks became wet with icy tears.
“For quite a while now. You know my mom loves you and couldn’t keep your grandchildren from you. That’s why I visit. She was busy raising the little ones all these years and couldn’t make it herself. I’m the eldest of the four, and I wanted to visit.” He cried softly, his gaze never wavering from my face. His face was still struck with shock but held the love of a grandparent that he always tried to hide lest I became suspicious.
“Why tell me now?” Unease touched his voice as he straightened himself up and wiped his tears. He became Father Winter in his defense.
“I want this year to be different. And the year after that. Your grandchildren are old enough to see you now.” And just as I finished my sentence, a knock touched the door. Another knock, though it sounded a bit struggled. Father Winter whipped his head towards the door and then looked back at me. Those icy tears ran down again. I had never seen him move so fast as he got up with all the strength he could muster and rushed to the door. He opened it, and he was greeted by three young girls and an older but fresh-looking lady holding a bunch of bags—my little sisters and mother.
The little girls bombarded Father Winter- my grandfather- and I was reminded of how strong he really was. He was holding his own against three little divas, as mighty as they were. My mother looked at her father and passed him towards me. She mouthed “thank you” and proceeded to drop the bags and give the biggest, warmest hug my grandfather-her father- had felt in years.
“Spring, my daughter, what brings you here?” Grandfather let the little runts pass him into the cottage and let them run loose. I tried to keep them in check but to no avail. They couldn’t help but explore new territory.
“Let’s talk inside father, the snow is coming in fast!” My mother ushered him inside with the bags she brought, and as Father Winter turned toward me, he was struck with guilt.
“Grandfather, don’t worry, we don’t plan on going home tonight in the middle of the snowstorm. We know this meeting was going to be special and emotional, so we plan to stay the night.” Finally, he let out all his tears and cried hard. His tears were no longer icy because of Spring and her children, full of warmth and love.
My mother put the multiple bags she had on the floor next to the kitchen counter. As she started to take off her scarf and coat, she continued to answer her father’s question. “I needed to raise the younger ones to be strong enough to travel against the snow. We would have tried to visit in the warmer weather, but we knew you hibernated.” My mother finally settled down and walked over to my grandfather. She took his hands into his and looked him straight into his coal-colored eyes. My mother let out the words that had been holding her back for so many years of guilt. “I’m sorry, father. I’m home.” My grandfather embraced my mother once again, as if the years apart never even happened.
“Grandpa! Grandpa! Mommy said you can make big ole’ snowflakes, like bigger than the ones outside!” The youngest daughter, Lily, butted in.
“Oh my gosh! Please, please show us!” Tulip, the second youngest chimed in. The third youngest, Daisy, just shyly hid behind our mother and looked at our grandfather eagerly.
“Well, if my little flowers ask, of course!” Father Winter conjured up a few snowflakes and let them float so we could see each snowflake’s intricate designs. Lily and Tulip jumped at them, and Daisy laughed. The whole family was together again. My grandfather looked at me, his face no longer covered in tears, and said, “Thank you, Rose! This is the best gift ever.” He laughed with the rest of the family, and I had never known how full of life he was.
Hope you liked the story! I finally got around to getting another story started (and finished!) about the changing of the seasons! It’s been a long time coming but hopefully you’ll see more of me as the time comes!
Stay safe and, much love from The Whistling Owl!