Winter here had always been nothing short of brutal, given the location was quite far from the equator. But this year, the cold seemed twice, even thrice as severe.
Within the span of a week, the island was battered by icy winds that howled through the landscape, carrying with them the sting of salt and frost. Snow piled high against the small wooden houses, turning pathways into treacherous, ice-covered obstacles. The sun cast a pale, cold light for only a few short hours each day before sinking below the horizon, leaving the island in a deep, bone-chilling darkness.
The villagers were not even willing to leave the protection of their houses unless absolutely necessary, much less allow their children to play outside. The once lively and bustling island turned dreary and desolate, exuding a sense of ice-numbing beauty.
