The snow continued to fall as night approached, and the old man sat quietly by his fire, warming his hands and listening to the wind outside. It had been a cold but ordinary day—until a soft knock came at the door.
He opened it to find a young woman standing in the snow, her kimono lightly dusted with white flakes. She looked lost and weary.
“Excuse me,” she said gently. “I’ve been traveling and lost my way. May I rest here tonight?”
Surprised but moved by her calm presence, the old man nodded. “Of course. Come in. You must be cold.”
She entered his modest home, bowed politely, and settled near the fire. Though her clothes were simple, there was a quiet grace about her that the old man could not ignore.
They shared a humble meal of rice and pickles, and as they spoke, her warm smile and gentle voice filled the small room with comfort. The old man, who had lived alone for years, felt a peace he hadn’t known in a long time.
Little did he know, this meeting was no ordinary encounter—but the beginning of a mysterious and touching tale.