Justin walked down the steps to the back door, gazing out an old window covered in Count Chocula and Cocao Puff stickers. “Where’s Brandy, Mom?”

“I gave her a bowl of food and put her in the cellar.
Hurry up and eat,” Robin said. “We’ve got a busy day
planned. Dad wants you to chop wood, and it’s gonna take a
bit longer to get the milking machines started. Forecast calls
for a snowstorm.” She walked back up the stairs to change
into work clothes.

Drew was getting dressed when Robin entered the bedroom. He pulled his suspenders over his thick flannel shirt and tossed a pair of soiled yellow work gloves on the bed. He reached inside the desk drawer for his wallet and then sat down on the wooden chair to pull on his size 14 work boots. “Where’s my jacket, Robin?” Drew asked.

“I think it’s in the cellar. I’ll get it,” she replied.

“No, I’ll get it. Justin up yet?” he asked.

“He’s in the kitchen. There was frost on his door this morning, Drew. He covered himself in towels to stay warm last night.”