Status Updates From Dash & Lilys Winterwunder

"I don't mean it as a wistful, overdramatic declaration. I meant that the love I felt for him was huge and real, and, while painful, it forever changed me as a person, in the same way that being vour brother reflects and changes how I evolve. And vice versa. The important people in our lives leave imprints. They are always there in your heart, because they helped form your heart. There's no getting over that."

The morning's view onto the street of Gramercy town houses was blanketed with snow, at least two inches deep not a lot, but enough for a good snowman. The accumulation still appeared gloriously new, the street a blanket of white, with cottony tufts heaped on cars and sidewalk railings. The snow had yet to lose its luster to multiple foot tramplings, yellow dog markings, and the scars of engine fumes.

I had forgotten about the previous evening's promise of snow. And darned if I hadn't slept through it, conked out on too many sips and too many hopes—dashed (so to speak). All
my own fault.

Your sick son is calling to me from his sickbed. I must anon. Merry Christmas, parents. I love you. Please let's not move to Fiji.

"I hope your mother isn't giving you any trouble."
"She told me if I clean all the ashes out of the grate, then I’ll be able to help my sisters get ready for the ball."
"It's Christmas, Dashiell. Can't you give that attitude a rest?"
"Merry Christmas, Dad. And thanks for the presents."
"What presents?"
"I'm sorry-those were all from Mom, weren't they?"
"Dashiell..."
"I gotta go. The gingerbread men are on fire."