The Red Edge Behind the House

Ages 9-12

Tuvia bends toward the snow globe on the front-room windowsill. The red runner of a little sled sticks out behind the little house's roof.

He picks up the globe and shakes it. White flakes whirl around the house. The red edge disappears.

Tuvia sets the globe on the sill. White flakes gather around the house's steps.

He bends closer. The top of the roof comes clear. Below it, flakes drift across the little window.

Tuvia lifts the globe and tips it toward him; flakes slide off the bottom, rise along the glass, and hide the sled.

He sets the base flat on the sill again.

A flake slides down the roof and drops into the pile at the steps.

Tuvia puts his fingers around the base. One side lifts a little. Loose flakes rise beside the glass.

He lowers that side onto the sill. His fingers come away from the base.

Tuvia lowers his head beside the sill. His hands stay on the sill, one on each side of the globe.

Behind the house, the red runner shows through. White flakes are still falling.