Chapter 7

Chapter SEVEN After Estrella had flown back up to the top of the fir tree to place the star in its proper spot, we all walked along to the hot chocolate stall, Pink Rabbit proudly carrying his carved wooden tree in front of him. Dad bought us all hot chocolates, and this time I chose even more toppings

for mine than before! Marshmallows, sprinkles, cocoa dust, and a gingerbread man biscuit sticking out from the top of a mountain of whipped cream. 'You demolished that!' said Dad. 'Would you like a cheese toastie, Isadora? They do them next door.'

'Yes, PLEASE!' I said. It felt cosy sitting around a little table in the forest, beneath the twinkling lights, with my family and new friends as I munched on my toastie, and we all laughed and chatted. But soon I began to

feel my eyelids start to close. 'I think we should head back to Aunt Crystal's soon,' said Mum. 'Oh no!' I said, trying to force my eyes to stay open. 'Can't we stay a bit longer?' 'How about one ride on the carousel?' suggested Aunt Crystal. 'And a teeny bit more ice skating?' said Dad, hopefully. 'And a quick tour of some of the stalls,' said Uncle Wren. 'I haven't had a chance to look around properly yet!' Mum laughed. 'I guess it's just going to be a very late night!' she said. By the time we got back to Aunt

Crystal's house it was almost morning, although the sky was still dark and peppered with stars. 'Midwinter,' said Dad as he picked up the scarves, capes, and bobble hat that he had thrown onto the snow before we left. 'It's the longest night!' 'And the shortest day!' said Mum. Dad placed the bobble hat onto our snowman's head, and wound one of the scarves around his neck. 'That's better!' he said. I could hardly keep my eyes open as I crunched up the snowy path to the

front door, and when I got inside, Dad had to carry me up the stairs. I lay down in my bed and snuggled down under the snowflake duvet, hugging Pink Rabbit who was already asleep. Mum waved her wand to put a warming spell over the blanket—Aunt Crystal's house can be a bit chilly.