Chapter 6 - A New Tradition
Within two hours, Arthur had a massive, twelve-foot pine tree delivered to the manor, along with boxes upon boxes of ornaments, lights, and tinsel. He had sent his staff to buy out the local toy store, determined to give the girls the Christmas they had missed out on for years.
The afternoon was filled with laughter—a sound that Arthur’s house hadn't heard in decades. Cara proved to be a master of hanging tinsel, throwing it in silver clumps onto the lower branches, while Zelda meticulously placed glass baubles with a serious, concentrated expression.
As Arthur watched them, he noticed how Zelda still monitored the doors and windows. She was safe, but her mind hadn't fully accepted it yet. Trust takes time to rebuild when it has been shattered so early.
That evening, as they sat by the roaring fireplace, Arthur handed them their first real Christmas presents. Cara tore into hers, squealing with delight at a giant, fluffy teddy bear. Zelda opened hers slowly, peeling the tape away carefully. Inside was a beautiful, leather-bound sketchbook with a set of professional colored pencils.
She looked up at Arthur, her eyes wide. "How did you know?"
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"Your father loved to draw," Arthur said softly. "He used to sketch everything he saw. I figured it might run in the family."
Zelda hugged the sketchbook to her chest. For the first time, a tear slipped down her cheek—not a tear of fear or cold, but of a young heart finally starting to thaw.
