With her neck wrapped in a scarf and hands jammed into pockets, Sophia followed Leoncjusz to the oak doors. He opened them and stepped outside. She stepped out onto the cobblestoned side street. It was her first time outdoors in months. She watched her breath melt into the frosted night.
The narrow side street was seamed with three-story stone buildings. They had iron-barred windows and arched doors tall enough for giants. Fairy lights crisscrossed above cobblestones, glittering vibrantly under brick archways. A band of musicians marched past, three by three. They wore blue jeans and Santa hats and played clarinets, flutes and drums. One musician was dressed head to toe as Santa Claus, his white beard tucked under his chin so he could play his trumpet.
Orange shapes, rich like chocolate,
