The Biting Cold

Welcome… to the chilly tale of the Biting Cold. Can’t you already feel that breeze? Jack Frost is nipping at your nose. Have you yet found your scarf? Not to worry. There are plenty yet to spare… but be quick. There is more where this cold came from. The demand for winter supplies will certainly rise. Don’t be the last to prepare, for there will be nothing left.

Finished with your preparations, your entrance has been delayed long enough. Off you go. Take your time and relax… but remember. No matter how soothing it begins to feel… stay awake, lest you perish. Hypothermia is a serious issue. Well, have fun!


It seemed to be a rather busy day at the ice cream shop, named The Cone. Summer was nearing its end; even this unpopular ice cream shop had the doors opening and closing numerous times as people took their breaks from the heat. They were either romantic teens who opted out of going to other ice cream shops and enduring the long lines, or families taking their children to a more favourably cheap shop.
           
Behind the counter, Sora was constantly moving, taking orders and filling bowls and cones. Despite feeling a little overloaded, Sora felt confident about what she was doing. No matter how many times she did it, seeing the customers and children smiling when they received exactly what they wanted was entirely rewarding.

The last of the orders were finished, and, before she knew it, the day had already started growing dark. The shop was closed, but she stayed a few extra minutes to clean the ice cream spills that littered the wood tables and tile floors. Afterwards, she removed her grey apron. Amazingly, she managed to keep it spot-free of ice cream. Sora hung it up for the next day.

The manager stopped Sora on her way out. While it seemed she wasn’t doing much, she had to replace empty ice cream buckets many times. Unlike Sora, the manager was actually a human, named Bianca. She had short brown hair, and a ribbon was tied into her hair, adding a bit of volume. The white apron tied to her thin build seemed quite fitting. “Nice job out there, Sora,” the manager said. “I’m not sure if I could have done all that by myself.”

Sora smiled appreciatively. “Thanks,” she said. “I’ll be ready to work tomorrow morning.”

“Oh,” the manager interrupted. “We’re closed on Sundays, remember?” Bianca chuckled at Sora’s eagerness to work.

Sora’s face reddened a bit. “Right,” she said. “It must have slipped my mind.” She withdrew her knitted purple scarf from behind the counter and wrapped it loosely around her neck.

“Anyway,” she continued. “If you haven’t noticed, our parlour has been getting gradually more popular. I got a call from a critic yesterday who wishes to make an evaluation.” She paused a moment, allowing the importance to sink in. “Well then, you should get a good long rest.”

“Right, good night.” Sora and Bianca finished their farewells outside the shop, and walked off in different directions.

For her part, Sora had no place else to go after this. It was still her first week after arriving to Station Square, and adjusting had been more difficult than she expected. She does not regret it, either. For now, she was still sleeping outside under the awning of a shop. Eventually, however, she would be able to live in an actual house… or at least in an apartment. To sleep on an actual bed was still little more than a fantasy.

Though evening was upon her, she still had plenty of time. Besides, she wouldn’t be working tomorrow, which seemed to pose more as an issue. While there was a lot to do, she really wasn’t what she should do. Sora was still new to the city, and did not know much besides its history.

She remembered that many people had gone to the Emerald Coast beach. Though it may be a little late, she thought perhaps she could at least enjoy herself there.

~

At the beach, the evening was already beginning to cool, and most people had already left. Sora kneeled at the edge of the dock, a finger swirling the waters. She had a rather limited ability to swim, she remembered. It had also been quite a long time since Sora had done so. While she wasn’t afraid of the water, Sora considered staying in the shallow end.

As Sora sighed, she felt a cold flake touch the tip of her nose. From instinct, Sora looked up, and saw that it had started to snow. Quickly, Sora jumped to her feet, gasping. Had she lost control? No, she told herself, logic setting in. Even if she did, she wasn’t that powerful. Then was this natural? Deciding the beach now seemed like a poor idea, she returned to the main city.

As expected, many people were in a confused trance, staring at the bright sky. Sora, too, looked up. There wasn’t even a cloud, yet it was clear that snowflakes were falling heavily. Many youngsters seemed amazed. Adults, however, seemed quite worried. Many things had happened to Station Square before; it was only natural to assume the worst.