Chapter 72

Today had been as tranquil, serene, and uneventful as always. Life in the village followed a predictable rhythm, calm to the point of monotony, with days blending seamlessly into one another. For some, such an existence might seem torturous, a prison of endless repetition. Yet for those who had endured chaos and longed for peace, it was nothing short of paradise.

Winter had finally descended upon them, its icy grip tightening with each passing day. The biting chill and the early onset of darkness drove most villagers indoors long before nightfall. Fires crackled in hearths, and windows glowed warmly as families sought refuge from the season's harshness. However, one resident of the village, in his absentmindedness, had neglected to bring in well water for the night. With a resigned sigh, he grabbed a bucket and ventured out into the freezing air.