#Chapter 204 – Midwinter

At midnight, we all stand around while I light the fire with great ceremony, and there are a good number of Ooohs and Ahhhs that go around the room – mostly from the kids, but also Jesse – even though it is a small, unremarkable fire – especially after the bonfire I saw this evening. As soon as it’s lit, though, people begin to turn in – hugging and kissing their loved ones before heading off to their respective rooms. Even Jesse’s family will stay here tonight – there’s no point in going home when we’ll all be together again for breakfast. Jackson frowns at me a little, though, when I stay in place. “What,” he asks, giving me a nudge with his elbow. “No bed for you?” “Nah,” I say, smiling at him and tilting my head towards the fire. “Ceremonial duties, after all. Has to keep burning. I’ll sleep here,” I say, lifting my chin towards the hearth. “I do it every year. Quite cozy and warm.” “None of us make her do this,” my mom says, coming over and giving me a kiss on the cheek as s