Prologue
"…But, each year in winter, on the first day of the New Year, Father Frost and the Snow Maiden return to Russia in their troika (sleigh). And they continue to work their magic, as they did long ago for the woodcutter and his wife, for those who are good and kind, particularly the children, bringing them small gifts and helping to make their dreams come true."
"Are you like the Snow Maiden?"
"No my dear child. Why would you think that"
The small child scrunched his face as he thought how to explain himself. His nose creased and his tongue stuck out slightly.
"You bring me presents. And play with me"
The woman, who had been telling the story smiled down at the small boy. She sat with him on a large couch, a large quilt covered their bodies as a fire crackled in front of them. She looked at the boy, her bangs hung heavy in front of her face as she watched his curious face. The six year old had such strange ideas, but then you would expect that from someone of his nature.
"Do you not like the Snow Maiden?" she asked him, she brushed a forefinger against his cheek, they were so soft and warm.
The boy looked shocked at the question, "No, I think she's pretty"
"Only pretty?" she teased, cocking her head to one side.
"And kind. Like you".
The woman smiled and laughed lightly as she leaned in closer to him, brushing her nose against his cheek making him giggle.
The two lay on the couch in quietness, the woman sat with the boys head on her lap as she stroked it.
"Mama?"
"Yes Kai"
"Can we build a snowman tomorrow?"
The woman rested he hand on the boys shoulder and sighed.
"If you wish".
The snowman was large, much larger than the small boy who looked up at it. Kai wore a pair of mittens, boots, a coat with faux fur that was much too big for him and a beanie that pushed his unruly high against his neck. His face was only visible.
His mother, was placing the face of the snowman in its designated places with the boy's instructions on how far apart the eyes and nose should be. He was still deciding if the snowman should be smiling.
Kai's mother smiled at her son's instructions; he was so much like his father, stubborn and quite opinionated. She just hoped that these traits would be used better then how his father was using them. Her smile fell as she saw one of the house maids come towards them, knee deep in snow, she felt quite sorry for the poor girl who had to come trailing after them.
When the maid reached them, she was dressed in a thick dress, thick stockings and boots. The hem of her tunic was already getting wet from the snow and the look on her face was trying to hide the displeasure of having to leave the warm house.
"There is a phone call for you Madam. It is Master Hiwatari".
Kai's mother pursed her lips and looked down at her son; he had not taken much notice of the maid and was busy trying to make boots for the snowman.
"Please take Kai inside and get him ready for lunch" she responded and walked off into the house.
Kai watched as his mother left.
"Where is she going?" he asked the maid as he was led back into the house.
"To speak to your father"
Kai looked up at the maid, he knew when she was lying or not but from the look of her brown eyes she looked more sad than anything.
In the kitchens Kai as placed at the counter and watched as the maid informed the cook to prepare some lunch. Kai always liked cook, she was large and funny and always saying things in her funny English accent.
"Do you know the story of the Snow Maiden?" Kai asked the cook.
Cook shook her head, "No little master. I do not know your Russian stories"
Kai huffed in disappointment.
Cook turned to face Kai, placing her hands on her wide hips she smiled at him, "But I can tell you about Snow White?"
Kai shook his head; he wanted to hear about the Snow Maiden.
Cook could see the disappointment and placed his food in front of him, she watched as he played with it for some time before she got an idea.
She sat in opposite him, leaned in and said, "Why don't you tell me the story of the Snow Maiden, so if you ask then I will be able to tell you".
Kai smiled and began to tell his favourite story.
"Kai, come it's time to wake up"
Kai opened his eyes, and saw his mother looking down at him, her hair hung over her shoulders and tickled his face.
"I'm sleeping", he said and rolled over.
"Now is not the time to be sleeping. Come I have an exciting game we must play"
Kai turned and looked at his mother.
"What game?"
His mother smiled and picked something off the floor beside his bed.
"We are going ice skating".
The pond that lay on their estate froze over every year and it had been declared that the pond was now ready for them to ice skate.
Kai had to reteach himself how to ice skate every year, he would watch his mother as she spun around in circles, lifting him up, it was like she was flying.
"Kai, I'm coming don't worry"
Kai stood in the centre of the pond, his legs shook as his feet with the ice skates leaned inwards. Beneath him the ice which was declared frozen had begun to crack, the sound made him want to scream but he didn't.
His mother was on the other side of the pond, she looked at her son, she spoke to him but he couldn't hear her.
Suddenly Kai felt a weight push against him, he skid along the ice and landed against the snow, he looked up only to find his mother was gone.
He stood, and shouted her name, but all he could see was the ice tipping back and forth as he stood there crying.
"Papa…do you know the story of the Snow Maiden?"
Kai father did not answer, he sat in the church pew, silent and stoic. Kai's grandfather sat next to him, also not saying a word.
"Kai…you are going to go live with your grandfather tomorrow"
"Why?"
Kai father turned to stare at those eyes, he looked just like his mother.
"Because I need you to. Ok?"
Kai did not answer, he turned his head to look at the casket, and he knew his mother was in there, never waking up.
"Ok".
Please Review