Snowball!

The cold bite of winter had fully taken hold of Westdentia, but inside the Smith estate, warmth wrapped around its inhabitants like a beloved embrace. The grand fireplace in the living room crackled with life, sending the comforting scent of burning wood into the air, mingling with the faint aroma of cinnamon from a nearby tray of spiced tea. Outside, snow fell in gentle flurries, each flake landing soundlessly, layering the world in a pristine white hush. But within these walls, laughter and chatter wove a melody of joy and togetherness.

Leina Reinhardt sat cross-legged on the plush rug, a book resting in her hands, though her focus strayed from its pages. The soft rustling of turning pages mixed with the distant giggles of her younger siblings, creating a lull of contentment. Louis and Liam perched near the frost-kissed windows, their breath fogging the glass as they eagerly discussed tactics for their upcoming snowball fight, their voices a mixture of excitement and competition. Meanwhile, Levy and Lester huddled over a pile of board games on the coffee table, deep in quiet debate over which to play first.

Leina's gaze lingered on Alexander, who was meticulously setting up a chessboard on the large table near the fireplace. The firelight flickered across his face, casting warm highlights over his concentrated expression. Every so often, he would glance her way, a small, knowing smile pulling at his lips. It was a subtle exchange, yet it carried weight. Leina was not one to display emotions easily, but there was something about Alexander that eased the tension she always seemed to hold—perhaps the way he never expected her to be anything but herself, offering quiet companionship without demand. It was a comfort she hadn't realized she needed.

Near the hearth, Samantha, Reginald's youngest child, curled into a large armchair, wrapped in a thick, knitted blanket. The soft crackle of burning logs provided a soothing backdrop to her quiet presence. Her condition meant she couldn't join in the wild antics of her siblings as much as she wished, but they never let her feel left behind. The children knew, instinctively, how to make space for her without making her feel fragile.

"Hey, Samantha," Louis called, a teasing lilt in his voice. "Think you could take me on in a snowball fight today? I've got secret moves."

Samantha's soft giggle, like the tinkling of tiny bells, filled the air. "I'll let you win... just this time."

Laughter rippled through the room, and Levy and Lester exchanged amused glances, their attempts to suppress their smiles futile. Despite her delicate health, Samantha was very much a part of their world, and her presence was cherished.

Alexander, noticing how comfortably she was settled, moved to her side, his tone gentle. "Want to help me with my chess game? I'll make you my advisor."

Her eyes brightened, and she reached out to touch one of the carved pieces, nodding enthusiastically. "Okay. I'll tell you if you make a mistake."

He chuckled. "That means I'll be in trouble."

Leina observed them, an almost imperceptible softness in her expression. Her guarded nature often kept her from outwardly indulging in sentimental moments, but seeing how effortlessly her siblings wove themselves into one another's lives made something inside her ease. There was an unspoken understanding among them, a quiet acceptance that went beyond words.

By the window, Liam and Louis continued their boisterous planning, their excitement palpable. "You're going to regret challenging me," Liam declared with a mischievous glint in his eyes.

Louis scoffed. "As if! You haven't even managed to hit a target yet."

Leina stretched as she rose from the rug, walking toward the window. The laughter of her brothers softened the usual sharp edges of her aloofness, and for once, she allowed herself to simply be present in their joy. There was a purity in these moments—an innocence she rarely indulged in but knew was precious.

As she turned, her gaze met Samantha's. The younger girl watched her with quiet curiosity, a question lingering in her bright eyes. Without quite knowing why, Leina found herself walking over to her, kneeling by her chair.

"You know," she said, her voice softer than usual, "I think I might actually join the snowball fight. I'm a pretty good shot."

Samantha's smile widened with excitement. "I'll cheer for you!" she declared, her sincerity warming Leina more than the fire ever could.

Leina chuckled. "I'll need all the help I can get."

Alexander, still absorbed in the chess game, looked up with an amused glint in his eyes. "You sure you can handle the cold?"

Leina arched an eyebrow, smirking. "I can handle it. The real question is—can you?"

His grin deepened. "Guess we'll find out."

As the children continued their playful banter, the sense of camaraderie in the room was undeniable. Samantha may not have been able to run through the snow with them, but she was never left out. Her giggles and quiet encouragements blended into the warmth of the moment, solidifying her place among them.

By the time the sun dipped below the horizon, painting the snow-covered landscape in hues of gold and lavender, the atmosphere in the estate had shifted to a comfortable lull. The earlier teasing had given way to quiet conversations and soft laughter, a perfect harmony of contentment.

Reginald and Michelle stepped in through the side door, their eyes drawn to the scene before them. Michelle, who had been watching from afar, smiled warmly. "It's nice to see them all like this."

Reginald, ever the reserved one, let a rare smile slip. "These are the moments that matter."

The children, oblivious to the world beyond the estate's walls, continued their gentle chatter, their innocence a quiet testament to the bonds that held them together. And as they gathered around the fireplace, it became clear that this was a day worth remembering—a day of warmth, family, and love strong enough to withstand any storm.