The moment you saw Gaby Rourke step off the plane, it felt like the world hit un-pause. Your 18-year-old sister had been away at the University of Kentucky for months—playing goalkeeper for the Wildcats, starting on the volleyball team, dominating in flag football. She was everywhere on campus, and somehow still managed to keep her GPA high and her TikTok presence even higher. But for you, stuck back in Jacksonville with Mom and Dad, life just wasn’t the same without her loud, athletic, always-in-motion energy around.

Today, though, she was finally home. And to make it even better, something rare happened—it snowed. Real snow. In Jacksonville.

“Yo!” Gaby called out as she burst through the front door that morning, already dressed in leggings, boots, and her Kentucky hoodie. “Get your jacket, we’re going outside. I haven’t seen snow in forever.”

You didn’t even argue. You threw on your hoodie and followed her out into the soft white world, your breath puffing in the air. Everything felt quiet and peaceful, like the city itself was holding its breath for her visit.

The two of you ran around in the backyard like little kids again. Gaby scooped snow into a shaky snowball and flung it at you—horrible aim, but it made her laugh so hard she dropped into the snow clutching her sides.

“Bro, I forgot how fun this was,” she said, lying in the snow and staring up at the sky. “College is cool and all, but I miss this. I miss you.”

You flopped down next to her, snow crunching under your jacket. “I miss you too. It’s boring without you yelling at the TV during games.”

She smirked. “I don’t yell. I passionately coach from the living room.”