At midnight, the clock chimes, loud enough to jolt a human awake, who was dozing off on the steps of the train station. This human was Autumn, who has lived in Fallston for 27 years. If the clock didn't wake her up, the bitter cold would have eventually.
That was when she noticed the snow starting to fall, as if it was clockwork. As the clock chimed, the month turned from a cuddly November to a frigid December. It wouldn't be long until the trees would become draped with cheerful Holiday lights, and everyone's counting the days until Jingle visits and brings presents to the villagers of Fallston. And mere days afterwards, everyone gets together and stays up until midnight for the New Year celebration.
Being up at midnight wasn't something Autumn wasn't used to. Especially in these last few years, when it would become harder and harder for her to fall asleep. She wasn't quite sure why. She wasn't depressed or anything. She didn't feel sick or ill. She didn't spend the vast majority of the day resting or sleeping.
Once the clock ceased its loud chimes, Autumn got up and took a stroll around the town she called home. Walking past Apollo's house, she remembered when she first came to Fallston. Apollo was the first villager she met. He seemed rather irritable at first, but the two got along. Now the two of them were the best of friends.
She moved on and came across Tabby's house. She also came across Bob's house, Derwin's house, Aurora's house... all were close friends of Autumn's, and they all had a past she would not want to give up for the world.
After a sleepy, clunky, stumbly stroll through Fallston, Autumn made it back to her own house. She felt much more tired than usual after her walk, and she was ready to go to bed. She drowsily opened the door, and once she was in, hastily closed it, to prevent as much cold from getting in as possible.