The Villainous Children Retire

Chapter 19

When winter arrived, it was just how the siblings predicted it would be. Cold and unforgiving. Although, even before the crisp winter air had reached the town, they could tell it would be a harsh one.

This winter season wasn't so cruel because of the coldness; it was cruel to them for another reason.

Their grandfather, Robert Reece, was busy trying to figure out where to put all the boxes filled with Christmas items. Christmas had only passed a few days ago, yet he felt like he was behind schedule in taking the stuff down.

Just as he was worrying about where to fit the last remaining boxes, the door swung open.

Even while standing far away, he could feel the chilly breeze. He watched as millions of tiny snow flurries quickly entered the house with great force. Robert was a little surprised no one was calling it blizzard weather.

He heard the stomps from small feet on the hardwood floorboards and welcomed his grandchildren in with a smile warm enough to melt all the little snow flurries inside.

"Welcome home, you two."

Dawned in their thick coats, fluffy scarfs, multi-layered pants, small boots, small gloves, and big hats, Eli shut the door, and together, they attempted to return their grandfather's warm smile.

"We're back, Grandpa," said Eli.

"I see that," he laughed. He examined their faces, which looked red and burned with frostbite. For some reason, Esther's face looked redder than her brother's.

"Come in, come in!" He beckoned them. "Come warm yourselves up."

"We will," Eli replied.

Robert didn't say it, but he was glad his grandson had become more talkative throughout the passing months.

"It won't be long before you have to go back to school, huh?" He turned his back to the twins and headed into the kitchen to get them some hot cocoa. "In a few days, anyway."

Eli turned to the door and put his hand out on it for support while he took off his snowy boots. He side-eyed his sister, who just stood still. It almost felt like he was gazing at a statue.

Eli didn't question it, though; he felt like his sister had her reasons for being so still. She was always more sensitive to the cold than he was.

"So," called their grandfather from the other room. "How many marshmallows do you guys want?"

"Three's plenty," Eli answered for the both of them. "I can't wait to drink it. Your hot chocolate is always the best."

While Eli was in his own bliss about the sweet drinks, he didn't notice his sister suddenly start to sway. Unfortunately, he only became obvious to it once her body had hit the ground.

He stood dazed and confused for a moment. The hard thud from Esther's body hadn't been enough to tell him something bad had just happened.

It was only when his eyes looked down, and he saw his sister lying motionlessly on her face that, he was brought back to reality.

"Esther!" he screamed. Eli screamed just in time. His grandfather had just come into the room, holding two scalding hot Christmasy mugs in his hands.

However, when he saw the situation, the cute mugs fell to the floor shattering into pieces, and the hot chocolate was spilled all over the floor.

Despite the mess on the floor, Robert wasted no time in running over to his grandchildren to check on them.

Eli was squatting on the floor, his face pale and confused. His eyes were fixated on his sister. He looked torn up about what the best thing he could do for her was. Should he move her or leave her be? He wasn't sure, and he wasn't about to find out which option was the better one.