Chapter Text
The first weak rays of sunlight traced over the unperturbed deck of snow that covered the fields. A cloud formed above Fred’s head when he let out an amazed sigh. The boy planted his boot on the fresh snow and laughed delightedly at the crunching sound.
Blindly Fred reached out and Hardy took Fred’s hand into his own. Together they silently stared out over the field. Hardy had been sceptical when Miller asked him to take Fred for a walk, but the boy seemed happy.
“Uncle Alec? Can we build a snowman?”
Hardy hesitated. But only for a short moment.