#wintrymischief

"Thank you for your purchase, have a good day!"

Cold hands were met with the comfort of a warm, sweet-smelling package. The brown paper was crinkled and contrasted with a cheap red bow fraying at the edges. It wasn't completely pretty to look at, and maybe a cheap shot at being festive, but Bunkyo's Bakery was famous for its mouth watering stock of pastries and treats. This, the buyer hoped, would be a gesture that would be smiled at by her next door neighbours with the lack of decorations and the family that lived two plane rides away. Two cinnamon buns, glazed with sugary white icing and cooked till a glorious golden brown, were on their way through the town and were estimated to arrive at their destination in the next fifteen minutes.

Yue with the pale eyes, and the rosebud lips, took care with her balance on her journey. Though it had yet to snow very heavily, a flurry of thick sleet, almost snow, had garnished the town with a blanket of ice the night before. Pavements were out to get everyone, so most stuck to the roads that had been gritted prior to the risky weather. That day the village was particularly quiet, as most did not want to take the chance of slipping and sliding across town, but it didn't really matter to the girl. In fact, winter was a very exciting time of year for her, and she embraced the season as much as she could. She was possibly one of the only few who would risk a broken leg to get into school later on.

For now, her main goal was to get the treats delivered before they cooled. It would prove as a bit of a challenge with the bitterly cold air but Yue was determined and took a positive approach to this own set task. She entered an area more family based, a small park was at the side of the road opposite a few medium sized homes. A smile flickered across her lips while watching a group of young children trying to make a snowball, the little faces frowning in dissatisfaction and confusion over why there was not enough of the slushy ice to form it.

Turning a corner, the girl finally arrived at the street that held up both her house and her elderly neighbours'. She took her time with the walk up to the home, wobbling only a tiny bit on the clear white pathway. The colour of the ice was so pure and thick that it resembled her locks of white hair. It was close to a fairytale, as if she was made for this time of year. Though she wouldn't think this of herself, it had just been something told to her before. Perhaps this was a reflection on why she enjoyed the winter months so much? The slushy snow, the short days and the quick closing nights were seen as negatives by some yet Yue, for some reason, adored everything about the season.

Knock, knock, knock.

The treats were held close to her in worry of growing cold. Already they were not as comfortingly warm as they had been upon being handed to her, but that was inevitable. The sooner the cinnamon sweeties were inside the nicer they'd be for the couple. Before Yue's anxiousness could develop any further, the door was opened to reveal a man with a worn face. Even so, he smiled solemnly at the girl and greeted her. Passing over the purchases, her neighbour was swift to thank her and offer her a cup of cocoa. Politely, she declined and explained that she had to complete a few errands. Although there were other things to do, Yue would also like for the couple to enjoy these treats between them, not while she was in their presence.