//------------------------------// // Sugar Moon // Story: Spring Comes to Snow Hill // by Admiral Biscuit //------------------------------// Spring Comes to Snow Hill Admiral Biscuit Winter Berry stood on the back porch and looked up at the full moon. Even though the ground was still thick with snow and the air was heavy with frost, spring was almost here. The ice on their pond was getting thin, and they'd pulled in their last load for the season—it was too dangerous to venture out on anymore. They could all feel it shifting underhoof, and it creaked and groaned in protest as the last loaded sledge was pulled across. She lingered on the porch just a little bit longer, watching the clouds of her breath drifting off and dissipating into the moonlight, before she turned and went back inside. Maple Leaf, her little brother, caught her just past the door. “Mom says sap's gonna start flowing soon!” Winter Berry nodded. “Coupla days.” She leaned down and nuzzled the crown of his head. “You looking forward to it?” He nodded eagerly. “I'm big enough to help put the spiles in the trees and wear panniers and carry sap—Mom says so. And I’m gonna ask Dad if I can help in the saphouse, too.” “Maybe next year you'll also be big enough to help us break out.” “You think so?” He stood on tip-hooves and stuck out his chest. “Maybe.” She leaned a little bit closer to him. “How's Mom?” “Grumpy. She says the foal's kicking, and she blames Dad, 'cause he wouldn't let her go out on the ice with us.” “She got grumpy before she had you, too.” Winter Berry nuzzled his mane again. “Come on, let's get cleaned up for dinner, okay?” ••• After dinner, the family sat in the hearth room. Sugar Bush stretched out on the couch while Maple Leaf and Winter Berry sat on the floor closer to the fireplace. Red Maple tossed a log in the fire and then moved back over to the couch. “Gonna have to go into town, I reckon, see if I can find some stallions to help break us out.” Sugar Bush snorted. “I'm helping, Red, and you know it.” “I don't want—“ “I'll break a wider path than you.” She rubbed a hoof over her belly. “And the foal ought to get a taste for it.” He sighed. “Doc says you're supposed to take it easy.” “I take it easy, we're not gonna have as much sap this year, and you know it.” She winced as the foal kicked again. “Besides, it's not due for another moon.” “I get worried, is all.” He leaned back and nuzzled her belly. “You ain't as young as you used to be.” “Neither are you, you big lug.” She reached down and ran a hoof through Maple Leaf's mane. “Besides, he's gonna be helping us out this year, so I won't have to work as hard.” “Alright.” Red Maple sat down on the floor next to the couch. “We're gonna be up before the sun tomorrow. Me and Sugar gotta out and get the supplies ready.” Maple Leaf's ears perked. “Can I help?” His parents exchanged a glance, then Red Maple nodded. “Sure—it'll be good for you to learn. Winter, if you're ready for bed before we get back in, bank the fire.”