The First Snow

The Ramirez family moved from Guadalajara to Toronto in August. The summer was hot and sunny, and the children, Luis and Paula, played in the park every day. "Toronto is like home," Luis said. His father laughed. "Wait for the winter."

In October the days were short and cold. The family needed new coats, hats and boots. Paula didn't like the cold. "When does the snow start?" she asked every morning. "Soon," her mother answered.

One morning in November, Luis opened the curtains and shouted. Everything was white: the street, the cars, the trees. There was snow on the roof and there were small white hills in the garden. It was their first snow.

The children didn't wait for breakfast. They jumped into their boots and hurried outside. Paula touched the snow with her hands. It was soft and very cold. Luis walked three steps and slipped. He landed on his back and laughed and laughed.

Their father wasn't so happy. He tried to start the old car, but it didn't start. He cleaned the snow from the windows. He tried again. Nothing. "The car doesn't like the winter," he said.

Finally, their neighbor Mike helped him with the car. Then everyone was ready: the children for school, their parents for work. Was it a bad morning? No! For Luis and Paula, it was the best morning of the year.