I woke up on the day before Christmas Eve with a strange feeling in my chest—it wasn't anxiety, nor sadness. It was anticipation. For the first time since arriving at Snowfall Creek, Christmas didn't seem like a date to be endured, but something to be lived.
I put on a long wine-colored wool dress, warm and comfortable, and went down to the main barn for breakfast. The hall was emptier than usual. Only a few families sitting, talking quietly. The buffet was set up, but it lacked the usual energy. And Rosa was missing.
I approached Ryan, the young employee who always seemed to know everything.
"Good morning, Ryan. Is Rosa around?"
"Good morning, Alice!" he replied, drying his hands on a cloth. "She's in the big kitchen, with the crew. It's a whirlwind over there. Preparations for tomorr
