"Bye, Teach," the kids waved at me, their gloves too big for their hands, their faces flushed from the cold and excitement.
"Bye," I waved back, smiling despite how tired I felt. "Happy holidays and happy New Year."
"You too, Teach! Happy New Year and happy holidays!" they chorused.
I called for a cab.
The road was almost completely white, layers of snow compacted by tires and boots, making everything look softer but far more dangerous. The driver frowned at the street before agreeing to take me.
Winter in Novaterra didn't joke around. I climbed into the back seat, rubbing my hands together as the heater slowly kicked in. The city lights reflected off the snow. I leaned my forehead against the window, watching people hurry past, bundled up and laughing, clearly on their way to something exciting.
The ride felt longer than usual, maybe because I was impatient. When we finally reached Festive Square, I paid the driver and stepped out into the cold, immediately swallowed by noise.
