Anyone who grew up in the northern region knew what winter had in store for them.
After going to sleep with a heavy grey sky and no sign of the moon peeking through, they knew that the next morning everyone would wake up to a new world. The excitement made it hard for Irene to settle that night, but it didn't stop her from rising quickly the following morning.
Normally she would have topped off the wood at her stove, but that day she ran straight for the window and threw the thick curtains open.
Having only just woken up, she had to squint at first. The sky was still cloudy but the whiteness everywhere was intense after being in a dark room.
She noticed she couldn't even see the mountains as her eyes went further and further. This was the winter they had been promised.
Despite the cold, it made her feel warm.
