_November 11, 2023 | 2 minute read_ #creative <br> In a forest so wide, where the snow softly lay, Lived Ellie the elephant, cheery and grey. The holidays sparkled with festive delight, But Ellie had cravings she couldn’t quite fight. Not cookies, nor cocoa, nor sweet candy cane, But the perfect warm latte—a dream to sustain. “I’ll find it,” she trumpeted, tying her scarf tight, And set off to search through the cold winter night. She wandered past foxes who sipped their warm tea, And raccoons roasting chestnuts beneath a pine tree. She paused at the river where penguins did skate, But still, no latte to put on her plate. “Try the village!” chirped sparrows, perched high in the trees, “They’ve cafés with drinks that might surely please!” So Ellie marched on, her heart full of hope, Through icy blue hills and a slippery slope. At last, in the town square aglow with bright light, She spotted a café—a most welcome sight. Inside, it was cosy, the air smelled so sweet, With spices and coffee, a holiday treat. The barista, a bear with a kind, gentle grin, Asked, “What’s your order? Come on, step right in!” Ellie pondered aloud, “Oh, I don’t even know— Something warm, something rich, with a holiday glow!” The bear worked her magic with beans and some spice, Steamed milk, a dash of foam, oh, it smelled nice! A sprinkle of nutmeg, a swirl of whipped cream, And Ellie’s eyes sparkled, this latte was a dream. She sipped it with joy, her heart full of cheer, “This is the best drink I’ve had all year!” The bear smiled warmly, “That’s what the season’s about, Finding small joys as the snow swirls about.” So Ellie returned to her forest once more, Her latte quest done, her spirit restored. And every year after, when the snow softly lay, Ellie visited Bear’s café to brighten her day.