The wind howls through, whistling on eaves. The first flurry rises The lakes and ponds strengthen their ices. Wildlife departs the wood Wishing the warmth will return for good. Cloaks and coats,hats and scarves Through this land the season carves. For when the trees shed their leaves The winter wind begins to breathe.

There are many beasts in our world. Some you can see, others you have to feel to know their icy power over you. One such beast is called jealousy. I had gone my entire life not knowing the grip this beast could have over a person, until i saw my sister’s new ring. She’s been proposed to, and that just feels unfair. I’m just as good as my sister, just as pretty. It’s not like i want her to feel unhappy, so why am i suddenly shooting glares at her and faking smiles when she talks of her upcoming ceremony? Why am i suddenly prepared to fight my sister, my lifelong best friend? It seems jealousy may have a hold on me, whether I like it or not.