FIRE AND ICE 

By Tessa Harvey


    All her senses felt on high alert. She felt her eyes widen, imagined her ears pricking like those of an arctic fox. Even her skin prickled.
    "You can't leave," she said. "It's my birthday!"
    "We are  going tomorrow," answered her mother in her 'cool, don't be silly' voice.
Helga felt like stamping her foot or yelling. She glanced at her father, hoping for support. He just looked a little puzzled, bewildered almost, his default position. Her parents often went away. It was their job. But this time, something felt wrong. Helga felt it right down to her toes. Trying hard to quell her panic, the little girl said quietly, "you aren't coming back, are you?" And silenced echoed in the air between them.

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