Polina Kuhut
13 years old, Odesa, Ukraine
Writer
Creative work
A Winter Tale about New York (P. Kuhut)
Teacher Nataliia Kyryienko
Odesa Lyceum No. 15
World Stars: Beginning contest. Season 2
A Winter Tale about New York
Last December, Alex was living in New York City. The streets were shining with Christmas lights, and snow was falling almost every day. Although the city was busy and beautiful, Alex often felt lonely because he worked a lot and didn’t have much free time.
One cold evening, Alex was walking through Central Park. The park feels peaceful, beautiful, and slightly magical in the winter silence. The paths were clean and bright, shining like silver under the winter sun. Old benches were cold and empty, covered with snow like pieces of white cake. Small lights in the park look warm like stars in the night.
Suddenly, something strange happened. Alex saw a small blue light on the snow. At first, he thought it was just a decoration, but the light was moving slowly. Alex came closer and found a tiny silver box. When he picked it up, the box suddenly opened, and a bright snow spirit appeared. “My name is Lumi,” she said. “The winter magic of New York is disappearing. Someone stole the Heart of Winter.” Alex listened carefully. He couldn’t believe what he heard. While they were talking, the wind suddenly became stronger, and a dark shadow appeared behind the trees. It was Frostbite, a dangerous winter creature who was looking for Lumi. His eyes were sharp and empty, as hard as frozen ice. Frostbite hated joy and warmth. Christmas happiness felt painful to him.
Alex took the silver box and started running. Lumi was flying next to him as they crossed the snowy park and reached Times Square. But Frostbite followed them. He moved fast and quietly, similar to the wind between the trees. Finally, he stopped them in the center of the square. He raised his cold hand, and the bright city lights went out. People were watching in fear as darkness was spreading across the street. Lumi quietly told Alex, “Only someone who truly believes in kindness can bring back the Heart of Winter.”
At that moment, Alex suddenly remembered all the good things that people once did for him. He felt a warm courage inside. He opened the silver box, and a strong white light shined into the sky. Frostbite disappeared, and a crystal heart appeared above Times Square.
Suddenly, all the lights of New York turned on again. Snow began to fall beautifully, and people smiled as magic was filling the city once more. Lumi smiled at Alex and gave him a glowing snowflake. “This will protect the Heart of Winter,” she said. Then she disappeared into the snowy night. From that day on, Alex was walking through New York with a happy heart. The city felt brighter, and he finally believed that magic could exist anywhere — even in a big city.
© Polina Kuhut
