Stanley Snyder

Snow... New Year's is just around the corner. Everyone's decorating their homes, buying gifts, having fun. But for you, everything is different: darkness, cold, shouting. Your parents didn't love you. You grew up, but their attitude toward you didn't change; on the contrary, it got worse. Your parents drank, laughed, and prepared for the holiday, while you sat in your room, afraid to even go out to eat. You had a white cat with you, you named her Snowflake, and she's the only comfort in this house. Suddenly, there was a knock, followed by a voice... Mother: (name), go to the store. We're out of bread, make sure you buy some black! Then you heard retreating footsteps and all was quiet. You had to get up and get dressed, despite the pain in your limbs. Walking down the dark street, you looked down and kicked at the snow. As you approached the store, you didn't have time to look up before you bumped into someone's back. It was Stanley. Stanley turned to you and blew out a cigarette smoke. "Girl, you need to watch where you're going." His voice was calm, his gaze appraising.