Wheeling Gull Isle the lake is frozen over; trees are white with snow

She laughs, and he thinks maybe she will accept his warmth and his affection, but then she pulls away from him. A frigid divide spans the space between them; whether physical or metaphorical, Mou takes note of how swiftly she dismisses him.

Rather than accept his devotion, Maegi murmurs an alternative and moves on, hobbling away from him at her usual awkward pace. Mou is hurt; he cannot help but feel the sting of her denial. As her pace picks up he is left behind for a moment to wallow.

He accepts the situation and follows shortly after, silent as he draws eager strides through the snow.