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                                                                      One year ago

Flames flickered across the television screen, a far cry of the snowstorm outside. Beyond the front door was a world buried in cold relentless wind and frozen roads. Yet, in here, the warmth held strong.

My body sprawled out on the couch, enough blankets to warm an orphanige piled on my stomach.

Behind me, Father hummed along to the radio as he finished tonights buffet, not that we’d be getting many visitors this year. Chiyo’s family had canceled at the first sign of snow, Graces soon after.

Now just me and Dad remained.

I emerged from my cavern of blankets as the smell of pumpkin pie. Sure it wasn’t the most Halloween of dishes, but mom had always insisted. Not much of this Halloween was typical.

“Well Mari, looks like it’s going to just be us this Halloween.” Dad slowly brought over a great big ham–thick and juicy to the point it made me salivate. “Come on over, dinners ready.”

“Ok…” I sighed, leaving my warm fabricky cave and joining him.

As I sat down, dad set a jucy slice of ham, along with a generous helping of mashed potatoes, in front of my grumbling stomach. Small candles flickered against the moonlight fighting against the snowstorm outside. A beautiful snowy night.

“Thanks dad.”

“Anytime.” With a grin, he took the seat opposite to mine. “So, how’s school been this year? I’ve noticed your grades have skyrocketed.”

“Its been fine, nothing special.”

“For it being nothing special, you sure seem much happier than in years past.”

“Yeah, maybe,” I muttered, unconsciously twirling my hair around my finger. My fingers unconsciously reached towards my pocket. They only grasped empty air. “School’s kept me busy.”

“Not like you to let schoo keep you busy,” he said, laughing. “Not that you’ll find me complaining.”

I took a massive bite of mashed potatoes, head a mess of thoughts. I’d convinced myself to talk to dad today–tell him the truth. Yet, now that time had actually come I couldn’t help but bite my tongue.

“Hey… Dad…” I took a deep breath. “I need your help with something.”

“Absolutely.”

“Last year Chiyo made me realize a few things about myself. I’ve not been… living these past few years, ever since mom died. And its misserable. I want to continute making changes Dad, and if you could help me it would mean the world.”

“Whatever you need Mari. I’m here for you.”

“Thanks dad…” I smiled, glancing down towards my food. “To start out, I was wondering if you could get me a bag of suckers.”