Her mum stared, astonished.
‘I did practice but was teased for smelling smoky.’
‘You are the best of us. I know you summoned your dad with snow.'
Ella squirmed. ‘I—’
‘I can look after myself. I worried about you but not now. Go and see the icecaps but keep fire in your heart.’ #5ActFestiveStory

‘I don’t get it,’ said Ella. ‘The snow—’
‘Grandpa Nick needs indentured workers. Family business, my arse. Get your coat and…carrots.’ She grabbed the horn from over the fire, opened the door and blew it with all her breath.
‘Elves!’ said Ella.
‘Shit.’ Her mum scanned the sky. #5ActFestiveStory

‘It’s from your real dad. He’s not coming.’
‘Dad’s dead,’ said Ella. The confusion was getting worse.
‘He’s not dead just scared. We'll go to him.' Mother tried to stand.
‘Steady,’ said Ella. ‘This hymn’s your favourite.’
‘His, not mine. On Christmas Eve, I know where he’ll be.’
#5ActFestiveStory