✦ Where the Snow Settles
[EXCERPT] NO. 0002 It had a hat
The warmth of the Hearth followed you out into the cold.
Snow had begun to settle heavier now.
It clung to the branches of the trees, gathering in soft layers over everything it touched.
A crow rested among them.
For a moment, it looked down at you.
A thin layer of snow had formed along its head and back—like a small snow cap.
You glanced up as you passed beneath, lingering just a second longer than you meant to.
Then it shifted—just slightly.
The snow slipped free, falling in a soft drift onto your shoulder.
You let out a small breath—almost a quiet laugh—as you brushed it away.
“Hey…”
When you looked up again, the branches swayed gently.
The crow tilted its head just slightly.
And remained there.
The wind shfited through the trees. The branches swayed. The snow fell.
You gave it one last glance before moving on.
- E1