Chapter 7 – Small Days in the North (Part 3)

Winter began to reach its peak. The daytime sky was never fully blue. Sunlight was blocked by thick clouds that made the days feel like prolonged twilight. But it was precisely during this season that our family grew even closer. Because all major activities were postponed, and we were confined within the stone palace filled with human warmth. I began to understand how a home is built not from walls and roofs, but from the sound of laughter in the dining room, from footsteps you recognize even from upstairs, from the aroma of spices that greet you every afternoon.

That day, snow fell thicker than usual. Aurelia and I sat on a small balcony overlooking the completely white courtyard. Below us, servants lit hanging lanterns and strung blue ribbons for an upcoming small festival: The Day of Light. At times like this, my mind slowly processed while observing the ribbons swaying in the wind. I used to think this second life would be like an isekai novel. Monsters every week, fallen kingdoms, interdimensional wars. But in reality... everything was slower. But, was I disappointed? I shook my head. 'No. I was actually grateful. Because in this slowness, I could learn to love everything more deeply.'

She didn't answer directly. But the smile etched on her face was answer enough. We talked at length that afternoon. About aspirations, about strange questions like "What would you do if you were a cat for a week?", even about the names of kittens—which, of course, Aurelia took more seriously than she should have. "If the cat had eleven kittens, I'd want to name the first three," she said in an official tone. "What if the cat had twelve?" "The last one is for me too. You can't refuse."

That night, the central room was filled with music and light. The entire family gathered to celebrate the coming of the Day of Light. Father stood in the center, leading a small prayer. Mother played a string instrument while singing softly. Aurelia sat beside me, holding my hand throughout the singing. After that, we sat in front of the fireplace. I stared at the flame and quietly asked, "Are you afraid of the future, sis?" She was silent for quite a while. Then she answered, "Afraid. But more afraid if the future comes and I'm not by your side." I couldn't say anything. Because deep down, I was also afraid. Afraid that all this was just temporary. That time would slowly take away this harmony.

Then Aurelia rested her head on my shoulder. "If you grow up too fast, wait for me. If you get hurt, let me bleed first. I don't know how to let you walk alone, but... I will learn. As long as you look back once in a while."

I smiled, very big smile in my face, "Thankyou, Sister"

And that night, I wrote one sentence that would later become my life principle: "Home is where someone waits for you unconditionally. Even if you return as a loser." Winter is not eternal. And we knew, spring would bring change. But in the quiet, snow-covered night, we just wanted to freeze time for a moment.