Just_S/Just

The death of loved ones. Sounds familiar, right? For some, yes. For some, no. But for Just, it's very familiar.

They were inseparable. They went everywhere together. They helped each other. No matter what photo you look at, they were always together. But... Not all lives last forever, right? And our snowman's isn't either.

Just got up early as usual, got dressed, and tidied himself up more or less. He went outside. As always, he wanted to run and pick up Alfedov for a walk. Their village is small. The distance from house to house is, well, maybe a meter or two, tops.

The imp ran along the path toward a familiar house. Alf had said they were going to a beautiful place today. Just was really looking forward to it!

Having reached the familiar house, he stopped, stunned, at the gate. The house was on fire. A bright orange flame swayed in the wind. Lights danced in his gray eyes, and orange and yellow hues played in his hair.

-Alfedov... Alfedov!

The demon screamed sharply and rushed straight into the burning house. The horned one opened the door in an instant, covering his nose and mouth with his sleeve. He barely made it through the fire. Boards fell before him. Then he saw a familiar white figure. He lurched toward her, grabbed her under the knees and back. Then the neighbors came running. The house was extinguished. But he was not saved. Two souls died that day.

Ten years later, Just was walking down a familiar street, looking at the rotted houses. He sighed. He saw that burned-out house of his dead friend and winced.

Then he collided with someone. They both fell to the ground. The demon yelped and opened his eyes sharply, wanting to scream... But...

-Oh! I'm so sorry..

Alfedov... He... Alive? Well, no... He died in his arms. And here. Exactly. Snow-white skin, eyes blacker than emptiness. Snow-white curls...