text: This story is for the WP 2021 Secret Santa Story Exchange Constraints given by /u/xacktar: **Includes:** an animal in the story, have something colored red and white, have a fir tree / **Character:** have an elderly person as a character, **Time:** have it set in winter / **Action:** have a character kiss someone on the cheek **Word Count:** 791 ### Begin Again The morning sun glared off the snow in the East. Julia loved to watch the powdery drift flowing off the tips of the snow dunes as the sun rose. Each glittery swirl reminded her of simpler times; times when she believed in magic. A gentle creak from behind pulled her from the moment. “Good morning, Grandma!” Her grandson wore a grin as bright as the sunrise. “Good morning, sweetheart!” She never could help herself from returning his enthusiasm. “Would you like some pancakes for breakfast?” “Why don’t you keep enjoying the sunrise, and I’ll make *you* pancakes?” Wren made his way to his grandma’s rocking chair and wrapped the red and white afghan around her. He kissed her on the cheek before she could answer. It was already decided. Wren bounced to the kitchen to get started and Julia’s gaze was drawn back outside to the wintery landscape. She watched snow blow around on the dunes, fall in clumps off the firs, and little creatures scamper around narrowly avoiding being buried in the tiny avalanches. Two squirrels found shelter under the boughs of a nearby tree. They huddled over some food or nut treasure that had miraculously appeared in the frozen tundra. They chittered loudly at one another, appearing to argue over who gets to keep it. Wren announced breakfast, so Julia once again pulled herself from the scene to join him at the table. “Absolutely delicious!” “Thanks, Grandma.” He looked like he wanted to say more, but didn’t continue. They enjoyed the rest of breakfast in comfortable silence. Wren led his grandmother back toward her rocking chair, supporting her with a strong elbow crooked for her grip. However, in the middle of the living room, instead of turning toward the bay window, she tugged him toward the front door. “Where are you going?” “I have to show you something. Get your boots and coat on.” She wrestled with her own snowboots that came halfway up her calves and wrapped herself in her fluffy winter coat. He gazed at her in confusion but did as he was told. Once outside, Julia led her grandson through the snow, past the back yard, beyond the covered vegetable garden, and through a clearing in the trees. They were nearing the edge of the property farthest from other signs of civilization. The wilds. Julia didn’t slow down until she reached the wall of a cliff. There, she felt the rock face and walked a few steps from their original path. She pushed aside dormant vines and leaves crackled and fell to the ground. A short opening appeared and she slipped into it. Wren followed, speechless. It wasn’t dark inside the tiny grotto. Light emanated from a babbling spring in the center. Cushions and mementos surrounded the water as if people had sat around it like a campfire. “This is the last place I saw your grandfather. It probably will seem crazy to you, but...” Her grandson was leaning closer to the water, hand reaching out... “Wren! Wait. Please.” His hand snapped back to his side and he looked at her with wide eyes. “It looks like...” he chuckled to himself. “It looks like magic.” “That’s what I’m trying to tell you. It *is* magic. But, magic isn’t always good. This spring will rejuvenate anyone that drinks from it, no matter age or illness.” Her eyes were fixed hard on his; she would not let him take this lightly. “Your grandfather is not dead.” “What!” She gave him a moment to process the information before continuing. “I know, we had the funeral and... I know! It’s crazy! Just listen, please.” “I don’t understand, Grandma.” There was pain on his face now, grin lines turned to frown lines in one secret sentence. “He drank. We lived here our whole married lives and agreed that when our kids and our grandkids were old enough to be left to live their lives, we’d start ours over. But, I changed my mind. I couldn’t bear to leave you and the rest of the family. He still drank. He left.” “Oh, Grandma. I’m so sorry. I can’t believe any of this. It’s all insane and just, god. You must be hurting so much right now.” He had stepped closer and took Julia in his arms. She patted him on the back as she told him, “I know it was the right thing to do. I’m not sad.” He pulled away enough to look at her face, and sure enough, she was happy. Not a tear welled in her eyes. “I just knew it was time to pass along the secret since I don’t know how much time I have left. I hope you will find someone to share this one with.