The First Snow Bet

Marie Lane can predict the first big snow of the year, and she can prove it. Woolly caterpillars. Max's winter coat. Grandpa's knees, which have never once been wrong.

Cousin Matt has a weather app and a smug face.

The bet is on: winner picks the first toboggan run of the season, loser shovels the driveway on storm day. Marie counts her six days, plans her perfect snow day down to the hour, and waits for the sky to agree with her.

The sky has its own schedule.