As the new year approached, another heavy snowfall descended upon the Sancha River area. While some would say that auspicious snow heralds a bountiful year, it also meant that traveling had become a challenge for the rural populace.
However, this did not deter the migrant workers, who, after toiling away for a year, were eager to return home.
Although there were not many young people working outside, their return brought with them news from the outside world, making the changes out there feel tangible to the villagers.
Seeing these young people returning home, each dressed in new and stylish clothes, like actors from TV and movies, and listening to their tales of the bustling big cities, with skyscrapers taller than the largest pagoda tree at the village entrance, roads wide enough for several cars to drive side by side, and a world of glitz and traffic, many in the village, especially the youths, were restless with longing.
