Lionel moves methodically along the fence, spreading sweet-smelling hay for his cows. He pauses, smiling fondly at BROOT, who stands apart, her coat glossy and her large brass bell glinting in the morning sun. Lionel strokes her neck, feeling her warmth against his chilled hand. "You’re my best girl, BROOT. Maybe one day we’ll show everyone just how special you are," he murmurs, but BROOT only lowers her head, her eyes distant.

BROOT[/@ch_2] lies alone in her stall, her bell silent, her gaze fixed on the swirling snow outside.] Lionel leans on the stall door, concern etched across his face as he watches BROOT. BROOT sighs deeply, her ears drooping. "Why do you seem so sad every December, BROOT? I wish you could tell me," Lionel whispers, his breath visible in the chilly air. BROOT listens to the distant sound of church bells, dreaming of a magic she cannot name.

BROOT[/@ch_2] stands alone by the fence, her bell echoing softly in the stillness.] The village is quiet but for the occasional jingle of sleigh bells from afar. BROOT feels an ache in her heart and glances up at the stars, longing for something wondrous. Suddenly, she tenses, determined. "Tonight, I will try," she thinks, summoning all her strength. With a mighty effort, she pushes milk through her udders, and, to her own astonishment, her hooves begin to lift from the snowy ground.

BROOT[/@ch_2] as she soars above the fence, her bell ringing out through the night. Snowflakes swirl around her, sparkling in the moonlight. Lionel, awakened by the sound, rushes to his window, eyes wide with disbelief.] "BROOT! Is that really you?" he calls, but BROOT is already gliding over the fields, leaving hoofprints in the air. She heads straight for the heart of Pistagore, her bell a beacon in the silent village.

CHURCHILL[/@ch_3], BONAPARTE, and AMSTRONG—appear, pulling a grand red sleigh. BROOT lands with a soft thud, her bell chiming brightly.] From the sleigh, Santa Claus steps down, his eyes twinkling beneath his fur-trimmed hat. "What a marvelous bell you have, dear BROOT. Would you honor us by pulling my sleigh to our next little customer?" "Yes! Oh, yes, I would love nothing more," BROOT replies, her heart brimming with joy. The reindeer nuzzle her in welcome, and together they are soon harnessed side by side.

Lionel[/@ch_1] stands in the snowy street, waving as his beloved cow soars above the rooftops. The village sparkles below, every window aglow with warmth and hope.] As BROOT flies beside the reindeer, her bell ringing clear and sweet, she glances down and sees Lionel waving, his face filled with pride and wonder. "Merry Christmas, BROOT! Come home soon!" BROOT has never felt so happy, her dream finally fulfilled under the magic of the winter night.