Chapter One

Before I begin I shall warn you, if Ivan ever learned the truth, it would tear him apart. His life as he knows it is founded on a lie. He must never hear this story.

You see, General Winter was not always a ruthless caretaker. Originally he was a kind old man who protected me from the world. I used to think that he gave me snow to play with and we would create whole towns of snow people to keep us company. Then one day, Winter brought me a real companion. He held a swaddled child in his arms and told me it would be my new little brother. The baby had light violet eyes.

We named him Ivan Braginski because Ivan was one of the few boy names I knew and Braginski sounded a lot like my last name, Braginskaya. Life was not easy with another mouth to feed in a land where crops were few, but all three of us were happy. Ivan grew up little by little. Taking care of him was never a chore because he was such a sweet, caring child. He did whatever he could to help with any errands the General and I went on. That was before the wars...

It was a sad fate that Ivan's soul was bound to the nation of Russia. Such a kind spirit would have been better suited for a more peaceful land. The bloodshed and tourment would scar my brother deeper than I realized at first. How did this change General Winter from the kind old mand that took care of into a drunk, abusive guardian? It was because Winter was never really real.

He was my imaginary friend I made up when I was lonely and wanted someone to protect me. Ivan grew up being able to see him because I shared Winter thinking he would protect Ivan too. It was like a child's game. We were playing house and the General acted as "father." However it started to fall apart as I grew older. Over time, as I became too old for imaginary friends, Winter became more and more Ivan's creation, warping him a the poor child suffered trauma.

It is because of this transfer that Ivan's memories are distorted. This is why his letter to the world is a lie. I will only share this story with you so that you will understand why that letter must never be sent.

xx

Katyusha jolted awake as the falling slush sent pins and needles down her spine. Ivan bolted up beside her gasping from the cold shock. General Winter scowled at them from the open door way. "It'll be light out soon, so go find something to eat if you want to breakfast."

Shivering, the two fumbled around looking for their coats. Numb fingers made it difficult to put on the neccessary layers. Once dressed, they walked past Winter doing their best to avoid eye contact. She could not help but feel bitter toward their guardian. There was a time when the General woke them up gently and helped them forrage. Those years were far behind them.

"This way Ivan." She held onto her brother's tiny hand and led him to a forest covered in deep frost. When she was younger, Winter had taught her that she could find small shoots with tough, edible roots hidden under the snow's surface. It was hard work that hurt her knees and froze her fingers to the bone.

"I found one," little Ivan called from behind her. Whe she turned around, she saw her poor little brother tugging his hardest on the anchored plant. It was not his fault he lacked strength. With how little he ate, it was a wonder how he managed to walk in such heavy clothing. "It's stuck."

"I'll help you." Katyusha reached around her little brother and together they pulled with all their might until the sappling was uprooted. The two lost ballence when the roots suddenly released making them both fall backwards. Whit a thud, Katyusha lay flat on her back with Ivan landing on top of her.

"Ouch..." He rubbed the back of his head aas he sat up.

"Are you okay, Ivan?" she asked, concerned that he may have hurt himself.

"No. Your flat chest didn't cushion my fall."

A deep red flush burned her cheeks. Despite reaching the age when her breast should start growing, she had made absolutely no progress. It was a sensitive subject and she did not expect her little brother to point it out. "Ivan!"

"Winter says it too!" She half heartedly swung at him knowing that he would dudge, but hoped that he would take it as a threat. Ivan continued to poke fun. "He says that you are so flat and tall that you might as well have been born a boy instead of a girl."

Katyusha was not going to let that comment go unpunished. With crossed arms, she teased, "Well atleast I'm not a shorty like you."

Ivan gaped at her. He was sensitive about his height, and she knew it would be an easy target. He tried to rebuttle with a lame, "I'm gonna grow."

Yeah right!" she laughed. "You're going to be so small that you'll get a step ladder for your birthday when you are old enough to grow your own beard."

"Not true, flat chest!"

"Is true, pipsqueak!" She prepared to fire another jest, but was interrupted by the loud rumble of her brother's stomach. They had alomst forgotten about breakfast.

"Head or tails?"

Katyusha knew that the plant was very bitter, especially the roots. Ivan hated the strong taste, so she chose the less desired part. "Tails."

Ivan bit off the top half before handing her her portion. It really was a terrible flavor, but food was food. She tugged on her brother's coat sleeve and poitned back toward the house. "We should head back now."