The Snow Garden

She was filled with Christmas dread --

Why did Hedy's new home have to be on Holly Street -- where everyone "Made a big deal of Christmas" -- and right next door to irresponsible maniac extraordinaire, Ty Marek?

"If there's anything wrong with this house -- I know what it is," Hedy told Ty after he'd introduced himself by shattering her prettiest window and best mirror with a baseball gone wild, "it's next door to you!"

Yet without him the house seemed unnaturally quiet. Infuriating as he was, Ty radiated vitality -- and something elusive that reminded her of happier times when Christmas had filled her with cheer.

Hero: Ty Marek
Heroine: Hedy Hansen