By The Fireplace

One warm, cosy Winter evening, Furaha and Orko were sitting on the rug by a roaring fire, gazing into its inviting flames, which were dancing in the darkness of the chimney, letting off black smoke that flew into the Winter air. “You know, in the darkness of this room, I think being in front of the fire on a cold Winter’s day is the best thing that could’ve happened to us.” smiled Furaha. “I think I’m turning into a hot water bottle.” “And I think I’m turning into a velvet blanket being sat on by a huge dog,” smiled Orko. “But I think something’s missing.” “Snacks!” said Furaha, “We can’t have a night by the fire without snacks.”

Furaha came into the kitchen and went back into the living room later with a bowlful of nice, tasty sausage rolls, with two mugs of hot cocoa - one white with red snowflake patterns for Orko, and one green with daisies on it for Furaha. The two friends enjoyed their snacks and talked about what they wanted for Christmas this year. Furaha wanted a unicorn costume for Christmas, while this year Orko wanted a Wacky Duck shampoo - the wild-looking green bottle that’s scented like limes. “You know, I think you’ll smell good. As good as pondweed,” yawned Furaha, as she snuggled down onto the rug. “You know what? I think you’re right,” said Orko sleepily as he lay down, full of sausage rolls and cocoa. Furaha stared into the flames, which slowly went out, leaving her and her friend in pure darkness. All they could hear was the sound of the Winter wind outside, and they could smell the burning ashes of the dancing flames in front of them, settling to their graves, waiting for the next cosy evening.