Tales of Hearth

It was stormy, continuously snowing. The town almost seemed to have become a mere solidified, quiet world because of the snow heaped much against the wall. There was a little house settled by the edge of the forest, however, which had put in opposition to that cold. The windows were bright with warmth, a glowing house in the bite of the night.

In the interior Claire bustled almost, keeping her hands moving over a plate of broken gingerbread. The fiery aroma filled the trembling walls out there, mixing with that of pine laurels strung along the shelf. Near the fire was Ellie, her girl, up to her eyes wrapping goodies and presents in shades of paper as well as her younger brother, Max, who was involved in building a fort out of his wooden squares nearby.

"Mom," Ellie asked, "do you think anyone's coming today? The snowfall is so thick."

Claire turned towards the frost-laden window, saying, "Someone always comes. The hearth draws those who need it."

Almost as if by cue, a faint knock echoed through the house. Ellie gasped. Max jumped to his feet. Claire opened the door, and the storm's icy breath rushed in. Outside, in the falling snow, stood two figures-a man in a ragged coat and a little boy with a teddy bear clenched tightly.

'Come in,' said Claire warmly, ushering them toward the inside.

The man, Henry, identified himself and his daughter, Sam. They had been traveling for hours after their vehicle broke down. Sam's cheeks were pale; his small hands trembled as he clutched the bear. Ellie speedily bundled him in while Max was showcasing his position as a play range.

The door slammed again shortly after. This time, it was a group of friends-three adults and a dog named Willow. One among them, a woman named Maya, explained, "We were going to a family but got caught within the storm. We saw the light shining from your windows."

Claire smiled. "You are all welcome here. The more, the merrier."

And just like that, the stanza was complete: as visitors made themselves comfortable within, the cabin came alive to sounds of chatter. Ellie seemed to be teaching Sam how to wrap presents while Max attempted to teach some tricks to Willow. Maya's partner, Clara, pulled out a battered ukulele from her bag and struck up a cheerful tune that brought the first laugh from Sam.

Over bowls of steaming soup, stories began to flow. Henry discreetly spoke of starting anew following the loss of his wife. Maya and Clara narrated their travels as a few and the trials they had to go weighed to be accepted. Their companion Ravi included some comic relief, relating a dismal attempt at preparing holiday treats last week.

"Every year," Maya said, "we make one wish together. Something simple, like good cheer for everyone we meet." She lit a small candle and placed it on the table. "Would you all like to join us?"

Claire nodded. She distributed candles to each guest, including Ellie and Max. Then the room went still as every one lit their fires from the big fire. Eyes closed, each person had a wish while the warmth of the moment chased away the cold outside.

Later that evening, Ellie stared at Maya and Clara. "So are you like sisters?" she asked innocently.

Maya laughed. "Not exactly but we're family in our way."

Ellie tilted her head. "You mean like us and Max?"

"Exactly," Clara said smilingly.

As the candles melted, Claire fetched out the gingerbread. All these pieces looked adorned with glistening icing and colored candies. Sam just swallowed a bite of his and couldn't help but sparkle. “This is the best night ever,” he whispered to Ellie.

“Is it really the best night ever?” Ellie asked with a grin.

“Maybe,” said Sam, mouth full.

The storm began to fade, and still nobody wanted to leave. With quilts wrapped around them and the warmth surrounding them, this small gathering felt more family than outsiders. Claire took stock of her surroundings, heart full.

"This," she said softly, "is why we keep the hearth burning. It's not for us-it's for anyone who needs it."

Later, as the moon fires crackled, Max leaned against Ellie. "Do you think they'll come back?"

Ellie smiled. "Of course. The hearth always brings them back."

And so the small house became more than just a heaven on a snowy night. It became a symbol of love, acceptance, and the magic that occurs when people come together, whatever their backgrounds or where they have been.