Nathaniel walked to the rear passenger door and tapped his knuckles softly on the rubber window frame.

Daisy rolled the window down three inches, her small face framed by a bright pink knit cap.

In the front seat, Martha was sound asleep under two thick wool blankets, her canvas coat pulled tight around her neck.

Nathaniel passed a heavy red thermos of hot cocoa through the narrow gap.

“Drink it while it’s hot, Daisy,” Nathaniel said.

Daisy took the thermos in both hands, her heels kicking softly against the bottom of the vinyl seat.

“Are the paper stars in my tin box going to melt if it gets colder?” Daisy asked, her bright voice quiet in the dark.