Stranger

And pelting them over the wall.

The laughter going on all around them was amazing. His pack was in full flow pelting snowballs and pretending to die as they were hit by a flying ball. The kids were stopping as they fell over laughing.

The snowball fight was carrying on. Grabbing her hand, he led her away from the main fight. He pressed her against the side of the house, staring into her eyes.

"I don't want you to leave," he said.

"The fight, the kids, Knox, we can talk about this another time." She tried to pull away from him, but he wouldn't let her.

"They're fighting without us. I need to hear you agree to be by my side."

"Don't do this. We're having fun. I'm not ready to move on or to agree to anything." She reached out, cupping his face. "I like you, Knox, and I'm grateful for everything you've done for me. 

I was a stranger and you took me in, and I'll always be indebted to you but don't ask me this, please."