Seventeen

December 11, 2025

Sliding the window open, Hiro glanced outside. Flakes of snow danced in the air as they fell from above. The world outside was enveloped in a layer of snow. 

At the moment, Hiro had just woken up. 

With the festive season approaching, he had returned to his hometown. 

Staring at the world outside, he whispered, "Yet another winter has come." His breath immediately transformed into a white mist. 

"Hiro, are you awake?" 

The voice of his mother from downstairs penetrated his ears, distracting him from his reverie. 

"Yes, Mom," he responded. 

"Then come down and have breakfast," she yelled. 

"Coming," he said before sliding the window shut. 

Just as he got to the kitchen, he was met with the sight of his parents. His father who had recovered enough to make some movements was sitting in his usual place with a newspaper in his hand.