Snow Day

Sophie swung her feet, kicking the legs of the table. She was supposed to be doing her homework, but it was boring. “Let’s you and me go outside,” she said.

Mateo looked up from his school books. “Why? It’s cold out there.”

“It’s more interesting than being in here.”

The boy acknowledged this was true. “But if I go out, Mama Norma might send me on an errand. I’d rather be here in the store where it’s warm, even if it’s boring.”

Sophie considered. Her father owned this store and even though he wasn’t around this afternoon, and she was only ten years old, she had some authority around the place. “Well, I want to make a snowman. And I want you, as my employee, to help me.”

“I’m not your employee, I’m your friend.” Mateo frowned. “Or am I?”

“Of course you’re my friend.” Sophie giggled. “But in this case, you’re my employee too. That way Mama Norma can’t send you out. You’re working for me. And your job is to help me make a snowman.”

Mateo shrugged like it was all the same to him, but his infectious grin gave him away. “Sounds good, boss. Lead the way.”

This story is based on my new serial Valley of Ashes and was written for Sunday Photo Fiction. Photo is by Jade Wong.