It was Christmas Eve, and the snow fell in thick, swirling flurries outside. Amelia, an eight-year-old with bright eyes and a big heart, hugged her beloved teddy bear, Mr. Buttons, close to her chest. “This Christmas will be magical,” she whispered.

But as the wind howled louder and rattled the windows, something didn’t feel right.

Amelia’s family lived in a small cottage surrounded by the woods. When the power went out during the storm, Amelia’s parents lit candles. She and Mr. Buttons decided to make shadow puppets on the wall. But a gust of wind from a cracked door sent the bear tumbling from her lap.

“Mr. Buttons!” she cried as the storm carried him outside.

Mr. Buttons!!!!!!!!

Amelia bundled up and raced out into the night. The wind stung her face, and snowflakes stuck to her eyelashes. “Mr. Buttons!” she called into the storm, but her voice was drowned out. She saw tiny footprints—his footprints—disappear into the snow.

Her heart sank. Where could he have gone?

In the woods, the storm seemed quieter. Amelia shivered as she walked deeper, hoping to find her bear. Suddenly, she heard a soft whisper.

“Amelia…” the wind seemed to sing. She froze. “Who’s there?” she asked.

The trees swayed, and the whisper grew louder. “Follow the light,” it said.