The winter break limped by, like an old person trying to climb the stairs. Every day Joel and Steward would both sit in front of the fireplace with a blanket covering their bodies. Outside the wind was whistling, the snow was falling and the lakes turned to ice. Inside, the fireplace was on, warmth filled everyone’s bodies -even Steward’s- and food was warming up. The street was empty and everyone was inside. 

In the daytime, Steward would wander off and do what he wanted. But at night when Joel would visit him Steward randomly dissapear into the trees and come back with anything he can find. This was only when he heard something drop or fall. Joel always wondered what would happen if some found out about Steward. But given the ability to camouflage easily and his height, no one could see Steward if their eyes open wide. At night Steward would go to sleep or camouflage in the trees. In the daytime, Steward would still stay in the shadows but also wander about.

But it happened. One dark Sunday evening, one of Joel’s new friends ,Tim, was playing in the woods when he stumbled across Joel holding Steward. “Joel,” he started to say. “ Why are you here? And why do you have a lizard in your hand?!” Tim was so amazed by Steward that he ran up to him and tried to grab him.  But , fortunately, Joel quickly took him back. At home, Joel and Mrs Bakewell  had a discussion about it and agreed that they should move him somewhere else so nobody else would find out and he would be safe.