Chapter 161: The end of winter

The sun was rising, casting a soft glow over the frozen landscape. The stream near Ryo's house had begun to thaw, its water slowly trickling and bubbling. It wasn't fully flowing yet, but it was a promising sign that winter was nearing its end. Ryo moved toward the water tank on the side of the house. He tapped it lightly, feeling the thin layer of ice inside starting to give way. Soon, they would be able to use it again.

Satisfied, Ryo turned to check on his solar battery bank. The panels were already soaking in the first rays of sunlight, and the batteries were slowly beginning to charge after being dormant for weeks. The heater that had kept them warm through the harsh winter was no longer needed, so Ryo had carefully stored it in the garage. Next winter would come eventually, and he wanted everything ready for when it did.