Christmas Eve was quiet and smelled of gingerbread. Zosia was arranging hay under a white tablecloth. Little coloured lights twinkled on the Christmas tree. Outside the window, snow was falling like icing sugar. Suddenly she heard bells somewhere in the yard. She looked through the glass and froze for a moment. There were tiny footprints in the snow, like stars. They weren't feline or human, just strange. - 'Can I go out for a moment, Mum? - she asked. - Just for a moment - replied mum, handing over her hat. Zosia slipped on her shoes and ran out into the snow. She followed the footsteps into the garden. Under an old spruce tree lay an envelope with a red string. On the envelope was her name: Zosia. As she touched the paper, the bells sounded louder. A whisper and a warm, golden flash came from the shed. Someone moved the handle and the door slowly swung open. Zosia held her breath and squeezed the envelope tighter.