The snow was covering all the land in a remote place, where only the trees could be visible from afar.

It was a far reach of civilization and barely did humans have influence over this land white space.

The farmland in the winter is harsh, and many birds choose to migrate to warmer places.

Yet, those that stay must somehow survive in these harsh conditions, adapting to the weather.

Minorta, who had been living in a hut that is far away from human civilisation,

have been working since morning in order to light the fire in her chimney place.

Apart from feeding animals she doesn’t have many other duties, thus she can now relax.

That is, sitting down near in kitchen warped in a blanket is a way of repose,

but it is hard to say she is enjoying vacation like the birds who flew away.

In the meantime however, her brother enters the room, looks at her and sits down next to his sister.

It seems that Minorta is quite tired and cold from just staring at the wall and waiting,

while the fireplace is nowhere near close to lighting up and providing her with heat.

In this case, the brother decides that he would start blowing at the fire, in order to help the wood burn.

“It’s no good, even if you had a fan or a blower.” Minorta tells her brother.

“Just wait a moment, it’s going to work.” Her brother tells her.

“If you had coal instead maybe it would lit up.” Minorta suggests.

“You would have probably done better bringing the paper here for kindling.” The brother sighs.

“So the bread isn’t good enough?” Minorta says.

“In this situation I doubt it would do any good.” The brother says.

“But you can eat it, instead of coal.” Minorta mentions.

“I’m not for supporting bread, if we lose on fire.” The brother mentions.

“Then next time I’m going to save up.” Minorta voices.

“If you would spend time on carrying twigs, then you wouldn’t even have to save.” The brother voices.

“Then it’s my fault for not helping you?” Minorta asks.

“You are helping enough, but not with what’s important?” The brother tilts his head.

“Then you expect me to be your mule?” Minorta states angrily.

“Father had a horse at one point, didn’t he?” The brother asks.

“Then what is it that you need? A horse, bread or coal? Choose one.” Minorta punts.

“You are enough, please don’t make that face.” The brother pleads.

“But the problem is that you don’t take me seriously!” Minorta exclaims.

During the winter break Minorta and her friend went to the village to search for work.

There aren’t many jobs you can find around the house that are useful once snow falls down.

The crops won’t grow, the cows don’t have the grass so there is no point in herding them,

And furthermore, the wood is dry, so chopping down trees in the forest is easier.

However, for one person, who’s leg is not completely healthy, it might cause trouble.

He worked so hard that he doesn’t even appear to notice how much of a strain he puts himself in.

But that matters little, since it’s not like he can receive help with heavy work from her sister.

She is still young, barely able to hold an axe and use it with strength.

Therefore, she tried other various ventures in order to make up for her physique and help her brother.

“Remember the time when I said I was selling bread?” Minorta asks.

“That was some time ago, what about it?” The brother says.

“Also, remember when I was selling paper? I still have money from that.” Minorta mentions.

“Didn’t you mention you have to pay taxes from that?” The brother mentions.

“And then, there is the coal I delivered, or at least helped to.” Minorta adds.

“From what I recall you didn’t get paid.” The brother adds.

“Because it was charity work!” Minorta voices.

“For the needy, since the priest told you.” The brother continues.

“And in the meantime you did your part, didn’t you? With fishing.” Minorta adds.

“It would have been a waste otherwise. The bite was enormous.” The brother explains.

“Yet, you say my work was for nothing?” Minorta punts.

“There were others fishing too, remember?” The brother speaks.

“But I’m talking about my not seeing the worth in the work I put in.” Minorta states.

“It’s hard to question the effects of work if it brings results, not coins.” The brother states.

“Maybe if you came to the market and tried finding work yourself would you understand...” Minorta punts again.

“I do, but only to sell poultry. Relax, will you?” The brother tries to calm her down.

“The same ones I feed every day?” Minorta points out.

“Would you do it for me then? I can give you the axe.” The brother responds.

“No, thank you, I rather not.” Minorta backs off.

It appears that the blond young girl couldn’t convince her brother that she was useful to him.

The problem however lies in their distinct understanding of what it means to work.

For the brother, because he is a man, he realises himself in strength related tasks.

As for Minorta, she would rather focus on food, cleaning and jobs which require a more delicate touch.

That’s why at one point her brother asked her if she would be interested in sewing.

And to this day she wouldn’t even think of it again. Perhaps that would bring the two together,

but it’s hard to say what would improve their relationship, since they always fight with each other.

Yet, on the other hand maybe it is their nature, maybe there is happiness within this simple, yet imperfect household?

“I think we are making progress.” The brother says as the fireplace starts to heat up.

“It finally works! Next time I’m going to blow harder.” Minorta says.

“Don’t work yourself over or you might catch a cold.” The brother responds.

“Fine, at least let me put on some clothes first.” Minorta voices.

“You could have done this before.” The brother mentions.

“But I didn’t know this would take this much time.” Minorta explains.

“In any case, just go okay?” The brother pushes her.

“Okay, just don’t be so officious about it.” Minorta responds.

“I am just worried, please listen.” The brother explains.

“When I’m back I suppose I can sweep around.” Minorta ponders.

“It probably needs more wood.” The brother says looking at the fireplace.

“I can bring you some.” Minorta suggests.

“It’s fine, you really don’t need to.” The brother says as he stands up.

The siblings work around the house and the temperature appears to increase.

With that, they are free to leave and tend to the cows in the barn and chickens in the hen.

It is their usual schedule, but today it was delayed a little due to the fireplace not lighting up.

And furthermore, the stove is heated enough for breakfast to be prepared.

This is the most important part of their day since they are able to meet grandma.

“Hello grandma, breakfast is ready.” Minorta says as her grandma enters, using a cane to walk.

Because she doesn’t talk, she only communicates with her grandchildren with the cane.

Whenever she is upset about their behaviour or wants to point out something, she hits the floor with it.

And that is to say, today seems to be a peaceful atmosphere, and no one says a word.

The breakfast is over and the grandma goes back to her room, in order to heat up inside of a bed.

But what is Minorta to do now? Does she have anything she could help with around the house?

Are there any jobs for her in the village? Or perhaps she might find a task if she asks her brother?

Instead of all those things she goes out, since the sun warmed up a little now.

With her thick layers she doesn’t feel cold and the wind doesn’t make her shiver.

“What is this? This looks like fox prints.” Minorta says.

As the blond girl was walking around the hen, she noticed that there are certain marks on the snow.

Looking at their structure she discerns that they might belong to a small, carnivorous wild animal.

They lead near the hen so Minorta gets the idea that the foxes wanted to dig under the wall.

In this case she has to think of something, yet there is little she can actually do.

She looks around, notices rocks stacked somewhere near the barn and carries them to the hen.

They are heavy and cold to touch, but she wants to prove that she is helpful to her brother.

And as she does that, something else happens. There is a voice from afar calling to her attention.

“Hey Minorta!” A voice calls.

“What is it?” Minorta answers, stopping with the rock she is carrying.

“It’s an emergency!” A voice shouts.

“What happened?” Minorta drops the rock.

As the blond girl was doing her usual work at the farm, she was suddenly met with a sight.

Her friend Ellien runs towards her, while waving and shouting something worrying.

Behind her there is a wheeled cart dragged by her grandpa through the snow.

On it lies a cloth with something under it. On a closer look, there is a person lying there, tucked in covers.

“What happened?” Minorta asks as she catches Ellien who runs into her.

“It’s my father!” Ellien sheds a tear.

“Wait! I will get my brother.” Minorta says as she starts running towards home.

And in seconds, the dire situation is revealed to her brother as well.

He runs out of the house and helps dragging the cart until he and Ellien’s grandpa reached the house.

There, they pick up the father tucked in covers and carry him onto the bed.

During the transport the man coughs heavily and is visibly drained.

His body temperature is above normal and he appears to have difficulty breathing.

Minorta, looking at the frightened Ellien, embraces her and holds her close.

“It’s fine, I will get my grandma.” Minorta says as she hugs Ellien.

“Yes.” Ellien shreds another tear. ”Please do so.”

“That’s why you came? I’m sure she can help.” Minorta tries to calm her down.

“That’s right, I had no other idea.” Ellien explains.

“You have to believe okay?” Minorta tells her.

“Yes, thank you Minorta.” Ellien says, releasing her friend. “I apologise for the sudden shock though.”

“Don’t worry, he will be fine.” Minorta assures her.

And saying that, the two girls go to the grandmother, who already heard what is going on.

She goes to the room where Ellien’s father is lying and knocks on the floor with her cane.

This means that she needs room, so everyone else leaves. During that time there is silence outside.

Minorta can only hear some sounds of pain and coughing, but doesn’t lose hope.

Yet, she is also anxious, because she is practically responsible for this situation, at least according to her.

When she visited the wind spirit and talked with him, it was due to her influence that Ellien’s father revived.

And thus, the soul inside of the body is that of the spirit, which is similar to the human soul in nature.

Yet, unlike people, spirits are supposed to vanish and revive each season during Galnova.

If it happens that a spirit doesn’t undergo that process, it may perish completely, without an ability to come back.

And knowing so Minorta can only come with one solution in her mind.

It’s because of the spirit dying in Ellien’s father's body he doesn’t have much time left.

That’s what she feels, as a spirit medium. That’s what her head tells her.

“I’m sorry Ellien, it’s my fault I knew it.” Minorta says to her friend.

“What in the world do you mean by those words?” Ellien tilts her head very confused.

“It’s because of the wind spirit, he didn’t undergo revival and now is weak.” Minorta explains.

“But why would that matter?” Ellien exclaims. “It’s not your fault, it’s what the doctor said! We should have…”

“We should have used coal after all.” is what Ellien wanted to say but her eye got covered in a single tear.

Yet, who is right or wrong here? Is it the doctor or the spirit medium?

If anyone would know, that wouldn’t change the fact that the father’s condition is dire.

There is only one person who can help him now, it is the znachor, Minorta’s grandma.