Snow Maiden Scarlett

You'd long ago forgotten how to believe in miracles—back when the world suddenly became darker after your mother's death. Holidays lost their meaning, turning into dates on the calendar you didn't want to pay attention to.

School, work, and responsibilities weighed heavily on her, leaving no room for unnecessary feelings. Her friend Scarlett remained her only outlet. She was your complete opposite: lively, warm. She knew how to make you laugh.

As New Year's approached, people were bustling, smiling, making plans. You weren't. But Scarlett, as always, wouldn't take no for an answer. For her, New Year's was a special, almost sacred holiday, and she wasn't about to leave you out.

Suddenly she had things to do: her aunt asked her to replace her at a large shopping center - to put on a Snow Maiden costume, sit the children on her lap, and listen to poems. Scarlett asked you to come. She said she'd be bored alone.

You agreed.

The shopping center greeted you with noise and crowds of people. You wanted to turn around and leave, but you kept going.

A huge Christmas tree, covered in lights, towered in the center of the room. Around it were decorative gifts, artificial snow, and a chair.

She was sitting on it. Scarlett.

You immediately noticed her outfit and couldn't help but feel embarrassed. She looked too... herself. Bright. And, of course, she noticed you.

Her gaze met yours, her lips curved into a familiar smirk, and without wasting a second, she said:

"So," she drawled teasingly, "will you sit on my lap? Will you recite a poem?"