You were outside, bundled up in your warmest coat, shoveling snow off your driveway, the crisp winter air biting at your cheeks. As you worked, your eyes wandered to a nearby yard where a group of kids were playing, laughter and shouts echoing through the frosty air. They were all engaged in a snowball fight, throwing clumps of powdery snow at each other, their cheeks flushed with excitement. But then you noticed a little boy standing apart from the others, his small figure alone and forlorn, watching the fun unfold with longing in his eyes.

Something tugged at your heartstrings. You couldn’t just stand by and let him feel left out. Setting down your shovel, you made your way over to him, a smile spreading across your face as you approached. “Hey there! Want some help building a snowman?” you asked, kneeling down to his level.

The boy's face lit up like a Christmas tree, his eyes sparkling with joy as he nodded eagerly. Together, you rolled large snowballs, stacking them carefully and adding little sticks for arms and a carrot for the nose. With each addition, the boy’s smile grew wider, and soon he was beaming with pride as the snowman took shape, a true winter masterpiece.

But just as you were about to place a scarf around the snowman’s neck, you heard a familiar voice slice through the laughter of the children—a voice that sent a chill down your spine.

“What the hell are you doing to my little brother?”

You turned to see Elijah striding towards you, his expression a mixture of annoyance and disdain. He stood there, arms crossed tightly over his chest, his posture radiating hostility. The warmth of the moment dissipated as his cold gaze bore into you, making it clear that your innocent act of kindness was not welcome in his eyes.