Winter's Child

Cameron Dokey

Free-spirited Grace and serious Kai are the best of friends. They grew up together listening to magical tales spun by Kai's grandmother and sharing in each other's secrets. But when they turn sixteen and Kai declares his love for Grace, everything changes. Grace yearns for freedom and slowly begins to push Kai -- and their friendship -- away.

Dejected Kai dreams of a dazzling Snow Queen, who entices him to leave home and wander to faraway lands. When Grace discovers Kai is gone, she learns how much she has lost and sets out on a mystical journey to find Kai...and discover herself.

I dashed to the window, undid the fastening, and pushed it open. Frigid air flowed in to wrap me in its cold embrace. A bright moon floated in the sky overhead. By its light, I could see that Kai's window was wide open. The street below me sparkled with hoarfrost. In the rime, I could see a single set of footprints leaving Kai's building and heading down the street.

Gone. My heart thundered in my chest. Kai was gone. He had followed the Winter Child.

Characters

 * Grace
 * Kai