“O-i!”

A young man shouted with all his might into the harrowing blizzard.

“Somebody! Anybody!”

The young man continued to yell as snow began to pile around him.

“Please, if anybody is out there! Respond!”

With all his might, he said in a war cry.

“Anybody!?”

Despite his vigor, the voice became hoarse the longer he shouted, cracking due to the dry air. 

All seemed in vain, only made more apparent by the endless onslaught of ice and snow.

“Damn it. . .”

He began to see the hopelessness of his situation.

Like most, he never meant to be in this situation. He was on a simple mountain climbing trip with a party, when a severe snowstorm appeared on their way down. Cutting him off from his other climbing members.

There should have been peers following behind him, but they quickly disappeared as well. He quickly checked for footsteps from the people ahead of him. Yet those were quickly hidden by the onslaught of falling snow.

There was only one person in this snowy world.

It was just him, alone.

Surrounded by nothing but frost covered trees, and fields concealed by snow.

“Where am I?. . .”

Although not an amatuer when trekking through these mountains, as he already passed through these areas on his ascent. However, now the surroundings all seemed foreign to him.

As if he entered a labyrinth that was never there before.

The storm is heavy and the sun is obstructed. Making telling the cardinal directions impossible.

He continued his journey into the unknown, but could never seem to make any ground.

With twilight fast approaching, the man decided to build an improvised camp.

“Tsk.. . .”

Taking his mountaineering backpack off his back. 

He looked through his gear and weighed possible camping plans.

He knew he couldn’t take his time, so he decided and immediately began construction.

The snowstorm was too intense, making a tent impossible. So with only one plan, he found a slope, took a portable shovel from his backpack, and began to dig a snow cave.

It was difficult to dig out a hole, and build up a snow cover. But night was quickly approaching, and he knew his time was coming to an end.

Finally he was able to finish an adequate one person cave, and quickly got into the hole.

This was a gamble for him. He took a bet on that the storm would continue if not get worse, and not continue to look for people. Simply waiting to be rescued and saving his energy may be the only choice. 

The temperature also plummets at night as well, so that was also a factor.

The gamble turned out to pay off, as the blizzard only got worse.

The young man curled into a ball as he waited for the weather to calm, but it never did. 

Seconds turned to minutes, minutes to hours.

The snow cave was a cover, but the cold began to overwhelm. Freezing and gradually depriving the body of it’s warmth. Soon it was getting too hard to move.

Only one word came to mind.

Death.

That echoed in the young man’s mind.

Eyes were getting heavy. Sleep became more and more appealing. It was a struggle to stay awake. He knew what sleeping would mean.

Yet that wasn’t the only worry on his mind.

Are his friends safe? Were they able to ask for rescue?

Are they even looking. . .?

Thoughts and prayers were all he had.

Time seemed frozen as the walls. He began to not feel his hands.

(Has frostbite began. . .?)

The cave was too dark, so it was difficult to tell. 

“Ohh? What is Onii-san doing there?”

Then out of the blue, a colorful high voice appeared.

The man looked up towards the cave entrance with a shock expression.

“!?”

He couldn’t believe his eyes.

A girl with a bright smile was standing outside of the snow cave. The blizzard was raging yet it didn’t even faze her.

Her hair was black- – -dark round eyes, cute cheeks, and red lips.

She seemed young and was wearing a simple traditional one piece white kimono.

The temperature had to be 20 degrees below freezing. So somebody only wearing that little must be impossible.

A dream? An illusion? The young man couldn’t believe what he was seeing.

(It must be a hallucination, there can’t be a girl here.)

However she simply entered the snow cave with a smile. It was as if her gaze and smile was calling out to him.

“Woah-, it’s so beautiful. What is this? It’s neither fur nor silk.”

While raising an excited voice, she curiously touched the young man’s clothes. It was amusing, but then he noticed something. He could feel her.

“How did you get the clothes to be such a bright blue? It’s so lovely.”

It was nothing special, just a simple bright blue, yellow striped winter clothing made for mountaineering.

“Hey- – -.”

The young man hesitated at first, but he made up his mind and started to talk to her.

“This is simply winter wear.”

“Oooh! Is it a very stylish design back where you are from?”

Although he made up his mind to talk, he was actually surprised when she responded. 

Regardless, he felt comforted knowing somebody was with him.

“What is this”

This time the girl showed interest in the wristwatch he wore.

“This. . .is a watch.”

“Watch? It has these weird numbers on it though. What are they for?”

“For time.”

“It tells time? Amazing. . .”

He found the innocence of the girl amusing. But something clicked in him.

He remembered some rumors often shared by fellow climbers.

People who died on the snowy mountain were found naked, jumping into water. Some people found alive where even delirious.

Scientists and medical professionals didn’t know what caused people to act like that. One theory was the lack of brain function due to hypothermia, or confusion from the loss of homeostasis. It was simply a tall tale shared among explorers. He never saw any of these in person.

But surely this is the cause.

Maybe this is his fate. Death is approaching.

Does that mean this girl is the grim reaper?

Oblivious to the man’s delusions, the girl was now showing interest in his mobile phone.

“So small. . .Oh? I-It glows! There is even a picture inside. . .so beautiful. . .”

She was looking at a scenic picture of the mountain he set as his wallpaper.

“What kind of trick is this?”

She tapped the screen multiple times when she saw it reacting to her touches.

When the young man saw this, the cold fear he had disappeared.

He wanted to see more of this girl’s adorable reactions.

“Do you want to try this?”

He took out an emergency chocolate bar he had in his backpack.

“What is it?”

He unwrapped the silver aluminum and handed the exposed chocolate bar to her.

“Try it. It’s food.”

“W-What? It’s so dark. . .but it smells good. Can I have it?”

“Of course.”

He handed her the chocolate bar.

 “Oh it’s so sweet.”

She happily tasted the candy.

He thought that it wasn’t so bad to die to such a funny and cute girl.

But before that. He wanted to know one thing.

“What is your name?”

He asked the girl.

She smiled in response, got up and said.

“My name? I’m Yukino(雪乃), a Yuki Onna.”(TN: Or a Snowwoman. Aka kind of a snow spirit.)

Chapter 2: Snow Day.

There are seven words for snow that a famous novelist coined.

Some examples are Grain snow. Cotton snow. Wet Snow. Ice snow. Rough snow.

They are all snow, but each has a different shape and characteristics.

Like most days, snow has fallen in the morning, making a beautiful outside view.

It is the height of winter, so the so called powder snow is in full effect.

The sun wasn’t out though, and the snow kept falling.

“Ahh, no visitors today either.”

I looked up towards the grey clouds from the window and watched the snow drizzle onto the ground.

Sigh

I closed the curtains and flipped the open sign board for our store over.

I locked the entrance from the inside. 

It’s now officially closed.

“Thanks for helping out, Yukiya(雪哉).”

I was cleaning the store’s floor with a broom, when I heard my father’s carefree voice.

“Do you want to have dinner once you are done cleaning?.”

“Okay.”

After a short while, I finished cleaning the floor and wiping the chairs and tables.

In addition to that, I rearranged the weekly magazines and newspapers on the shelf.

By the way, my name is Yukiya Kitahara(北原雪哉). I’m a junior high school student that goes to the nearby junior high school.

My dad’s name is Syuuji Kitahara(北原修司). He is also the owner of the “Snow House”(雪乃亭). 

It is a restaurant in Hyousei Village(氷清村). Which is my home town. 

Hyousei Village is known for its ski slopes, hot springs, and beautiful mountain views. Despite that, It’s rather a small town, with a population of about 2,000.

Even though it is small, it has a large district in the prefecture. However that doesn’t mean much when a majority of it is untouched mountains and forest. Although those landscapes are a part of the culture and what we are known for.

In fact that is where Hyousei village gets its name, it’s origins are based on the nearby Hyousei Mountain. Which is said to have an elevation more than 3,000 meters. Because of that, it is inaccessible if you are not accompanied by a mountaineer or are one yourself. However it is a staple of town and is always a beautiful sight that can be seen from anywhere in the town.

The snow near the peak never disappears all year round, making it famous for postcards/photographs. It’s the best selling point for tourists visiting the ski resorts. However it is also busy during the summer, as the nearby nature becomes a popular mountain climbing and hiking destination. Therefore all year round, our town is a popular tourist spot.

Also, that means that most commerce here is tourist based. A majority of the population works in restaurants, souvenir stores, mountain guiding businesses, in hotels, and Innkeepers.

Well that is a rough synopsis for Hyousei Village.

My home town, of almost 14 years. My father was actually originally from Tokyo, but he set up a shop here.

And after that, I was born.

I don’t know why my father, who grew up in the city, decided to build a store here and be a single parent. He was also the only one who raised me. But it turned out nicely. I am content.

Also “Snow House” the store is also linked to our house. The first floor holds guest seating, and installed kitchen equipment. It is pretty much the main store front. 

On the second floor, there is a living room, small kitchen, bathroom, and bedrooms. It is pretty much the residence section.

This is a really small family run shop. So we can’t afford to hire employees, which means I help out frequently.

I work as a server from the morning till closing time at 7 PM. I do all this despite me being on my winter break.

After I finished cleaning, I went to complete my usual task of cooking dinner and serving it for my father and I at the living room table.

“Itadakimasu.”

“Itadakimasu.”

We joined our hands as we met the dinner plates on a round table.

Father broke his chopstick and quickly went towards the fried side dishes.

“Ah, the fried chicken turned out good. It’s crispy and tastes good. Yukiya’s cooking has improved.”

My father was praising my fried cooking.

“I needed to cook it properly. The inside needed to be cooked, while not overcooking the outside. If the inside was not cooked properly, it could lead to food poisoning.”

I remember learning that in the school’s dietary education class.

“As one would expect of my son. And I know how difficult it could be to get it right.”

“Thank you. But it’s natural for me to need to learn this. We work at a restaurant.”

And then, with a smile on his face, he poured himself a glass of beer.

“Ahh-, Nothing like a nice glass of beer after a hard day of work! Haha!”

I couldn’t help but sigh after seeing his optimism. I’m doing that a lot today. . .

“Um, Dad. . .”

My father was still dressing his cabbage when I called out to him.

“Why are you so excited?”

“Huh? Because happiness comes when you smile.”

The phrase echoed in my head. Yeah. That’s the slogan on the poster next to the town center.

Anyway, back to the topic at hand.

“How many people do you think came to the store today!?”

“Um, five.”

“The nice neighborhood lady that visits repeatedly doesn’t count! Customers! How many do you think?”

This has been on my mind for hours. And has always been a worry in the back of my mind.

“Umm, customers. . .”

“Two people! Only two people! And they were my classmates Natsumi(夏美) and Tomonori(智則). They are the only people who regularly visit!”

“Oh, is that so.”

“Doesn’t that worry you!?”

It’s winter break, and today is Sunday. This is ski season, yet only two people came. And they are my friends. . .

“Huh, two people. . .That is bad. Two people. . .”

He muttered and put his chopsticks down. I know this is heartbreaking, but it needs to be talked about.

“Oh, but the nice aunt came when you were out- – -Which means six people came.”

“Eh? Why did she come?”

“Well, she came to deliver some mandarins that her family sent from their home in Shikoku.”

“Really? The mandarins she delivers every year are always delicious.”

“Yeah, let’s eat them as dessert later.”

I shook my head, trying not to get distracted.

I can’t change the subject to something so trivial.

“Anyways. Dad, I don’t want to be homeless.”

“Don’t be so pessimistic.”

“You are too optimistic.”

I know it is hard, but my father needs to come to terms with our dire situation. It has been desperate ever since that huge hotel opened up.

It was built in our small town six months ago.

In a prime location, close to the slopes and hot springs, is a 20 story high rise building. With souvenir shops, restaurants, it’s own heated swimming pool, and spa. There is even a banquet hall.

Pretty much all of the tourists have been snatched away.

Inns and restaurants in the town were hit hard, but half-baked small shops like us were in critical condition.

Our store is on a backstreet, not facing the main street which goes through the town center. 

The backstreets were a common place to get souvenirs and have a light meal, but nowadays- – -. It’s been getting more barren. Skiers and tourists don’t find any reason to come here.

“Hahh, we’ll find a way.”

He told me and then took a drink from his glass of beer.

Once, again. The usual. . .

“That’s what you always say. . .”

Not giving or trying any solution doesn’t sit well with me. I can’t help but feel anxious about this whole situation.

After our talk, we finished our meal and I cleaned the dishes. A bath and then doing my homework came later.

I can’t forget that I am a student.

But these days will eventually end.

I picked up an old photograph in my room before going to bed, and muttered.

“Mom. I’ll be 14 tomorrow.”

It is an old photo. One with my father and mother in winter clothes holding me as a baby. She was a beautiful young lady, wearing a white, thin kimono and a gentle smile.

This is the only thing I have left of her. There are no videos or other pictures. 

It was the only treasure connecting me and my mother.

It is ragged on the edges. But whenever I feel anxious or lonely, I talk to this photo.

The window occasionally rattled due to the heavy winds.

(I have to get up early and shovel the snow. . .)

That was my last thought as I put away the picture. 

It seems like the sound of snow will accompany me to sleep.

Chapter 3: My Father’s Confession.

The next morning, my father and I had to clear out the snow outside.

Thanks to last night’s blizzard, the snow covered much of the ground in the morning.

“Wow, it really piled up. . .”

“This is going to be hard work.”

When I walked outside, the snow was near my waist.

“Let’s start Yukiya.”

“Y-Yeah.”

We soon got our shovels.

It’s before the store’s opening time, and we need to make sure it is clear before it opens. People will be able to get around thanks to the town’s snowplow patrols, but the snow plow won’t save the front of the store.

This is life in a snowy country.

“Alright!”

“Uwaaa—.”

We continued to shovel the snow into the snow drainage near the road.

There are no clouds in the sky, so I doubt there will be another pile up.

Snow is beautiful, but it is a double edged sword. It is an endless blanket that will simply refill after you clean up.

But I can’t give up.

We have a time limit, and I need to get this done or else it will just make working harder.

“Ow ow ow. . .My back. . .It’s getting worse every year.”

My dad rarely whines, so it must really hurt. He put his shovel down and took a seat.

“Haah. . .Haah. . .It’s still early.”

I took off my muffler, and wiped the sweat off my forehead.

This is a dilemma. The outside is cold, but my body is getting too hot due to the hard work.

Although, thanks to that we managed to finish the snow moving before the store opened.

It’s time for the shop to open.

I finished cleaning the windows and tables.

Dad was in the kitchen, preparing for the day.

By this point, I’m completely exhausted.

But, I got a job to do.

“Okay.”

I unlocked the entrance and flipped the sign to open.

Now all I have to do is wait for the people to come.

However, nobody came.

Nobody ever comes.

I just have to pass the time quietly.

Simply rested my cheek on my hand and waited at the counter.

When suddenly the door opened with a bang. The bell attached to the door echoed loudly.

“Welcome!”

I quickly stood up and greeted with a bright smile.

“Oh, Yukiya.”

The voice was the voice of a familiar elderly woman.

It was the nice aunt that often comes and delivers the circular notice, which has the town news on it.(回覧板).(TN: There isn’t really an English word I can find to describe this.) 

“Yes, here is the circular board.”

“T-Thank you.”

She pulled out the circular notice with a smile and handed it to me. It seems it’s about the business and industry meeting for the upcoming snow festival.

“You’ve done great running the store.”

“O-oh, it was nothing.”

With that, she left with a smile.

Some wind and snow blew into the building when she opened and exited the door.

Once it closed, the silence returned.

Twenty minutes passed by. When the bell rang again.

“Welcome!”

As usual, I earnestly stood up and greeted with a smile.

“Delivery.”

“Y-Yes.”

It was the mailman. . .

Nothing of note happened after that either.

Before I knew it, it was closing time. So I started to clean up.

Cleaning up isn’t hard, but Dad hurt his back, so I’m also on toilet duty. . .

“Huh. . .Eight people today. . .”

Despite my best efforts, still a lackluster result.

“What more can I do. . .Maybe if I promoted our store more, people will come.”

Maybe I can hand out fliers in front of the station to tourists. Maybe then. . .

“Oi, Yukiya. Come here. I have something important to tell you.”

“Okay. Let me tidy up.”

I put the broom and dustpan away. Took off my slipper, and went up the stairs.

I was thinking about what to make for dinner, but before I could start, I was called into the living room.

The oil heater was heating up the room as my father was sitting at the table, waiting for me.

“W-What is it? What is the important story?”

My dad simply looked at me with a serious expression, and took a deep breath.

Oh no. Is the shop closing?

“Yukiya. Today is your birthday.”

“Yeah? That’s right.”

“Well, happy birthday.”

“Thank you.”

I didn’t expect a birthday present, however I was afraid he forgot when he didn’t even say “Happy birthday” in the morning.

I’m relieved he didn’t.

“Yukiya. Here is the thing. . .”

My father looked at me with a troubled face as he restlessly touched his stubble.

“It’s about your mother.”

I froze. My heart was racing. My breath got short. 

My whole body reacted when I heard the word “mother”.

I grew up not knowing much about my mother.

I didn’t feel particularly bitter or lonely, however I always felt a strong connection to her.

My father never talked about her, and any questions I had were deflected. So for him to start a conversation about her is surprising.

“What. . .?”

“Yeah, it’s about your mother.”

I simply stared back at him.

“Mom. . .”

I muttered as I tried to compose myself.

After a few seconds of silence, my father opened his mouth.

“I was told to tell you this on the day you turned 14.”

“Who told you? Tell me what?”

“Your mother told me. But it’s time for me to tell you the truth.”

“The truth?”

“Yukiya. Your mother is a Yuki Onna, also known as a snow woman.”

“Huh?”

I was bewildered.

“Your mother is the Yuki Onna of Hyousei Mountain. You are the child of her and I.”