The first days of snow brought a strange calm to his bitter soul. He had for many years avoided human interaction, especially around the winter months when his pain grew worse.

Nell loved snow, she always loved to see it fall. Even in those terrible last days, when the pain was so strong she could hardly move, the only thing that brought a smile to her face was the sight of falling snow outside her window.

He would always remember the day he left her side for a few moments to get her a cup of hot tea. He came back to find her dead on her bed. Her eyes were still fixed on the window, watching the falling snow. He could still see her final smile, etched in her now cold lips.

A sudden breeze brought him back from his memories. He pulled his collar up his neck, watched the white-covered earth around him and, hearing the teapot whistling from the kitchen, headed back inside the cottage for a cup of tea.

Smell of cooking,
In the morning air,
Fills my day
With love.