The sun was warm, the breeze was lazy, and so was I.
'Not like I'm lazy and all, I'm just umm…, energy efficient that's all!'
I was lying on the terrace of Reikenzawa High, my legs crossed, one hand holding a book above my face, the other acting as a pillow. The book was Curse of the Cindral, probably the most famous novel ever written in the city. Everyone's heard of it — a tragic story about a man who went through something horrific in his childhood. Actually, not just a story… a documentary, or so the author claims.
Of course, most people laugh that part off. "Ghosts aren't real," they say. "It's just fiction."
Well, most people are idiots. And as for me, I-
Smack!
A dull pain shot through the back of my head. I sat up and turned around, rubbing the spot. Standing there was Mika, my classmate and one of the few people who tolerates me. She had that irritated look that could probably melt steel.
"You still haven't returned that book?" she scolded, arms crossed.
"I'll return it in a few days," I said. "I'm not done yet."
She gave me that don't test me glare, then sighed. We walked back to class together.
[Time: 1:15 PM.]
Reikenzawa City… It's loud, busy, and crawling with people. Some believe in ghosts. Some don't. Me? Well—
Smack!
The second hit of the day. This time from Miss Aida, my homeroom teacher.
"Mr. snowfall! Do I have to remind you that we're in the middle of our lesson?"
Her look clearly said that, 'pay attention or you'll regret it'. And I wasn't willing to face her fury.
"Yes ma'am..! I-I mean, no ma'am!!!!"
"Good"
The entire class burst into laughter. So, did I. Might as well join them, right?
[Time: 2:24 PM.]
When the last bell rang, everyone packed their bags and walked out of the class. some of them were planning for club, some for café and some of them just went home. Except me. I headed in the opposite direction, toward my part-time job. Since my workplace was closer than my house, so I usually go straight to work rather than going home.
Also, my manager hates late employees more than anything, and I wasn't about to be tonight's punching bag for her.
[Time: 4:15 pm]
Snowfall. My parents thought it was a good idea to name me after weather. They picked it because I was born on the first snowfall of the year — the 7th day of Frimael. I don't know if they're being creative or just lazy, either way from my perspective it wasn't that bad of a name honestly. But now it's just… me.
My parents died when I was 10, I've been on my own ever since. I never found out the cause, nor did I care. One day they just disappeared on me, no word no hint and few days later they're found dead on a bus stop. There was no sign of killer and no proof of murder or suicide, even the investigators gave up eventually.
What could be the cause? It has been far too long for me to care, since my parents-
"Next train arriving at 4:38, passengers please stay behind the yellow line!"
The station announcer's voice broke through my thoughts.
I double checked that I was behind the yellow line. Checked again 3rd time.
On the exact time train arrived at the station. The door slid open and I boarded, grabbed a seat, and stared out the window as the city slid past. No matter how many times I saw it, Reikenzawa always felt endless. Always makes me wonder if there is an end to it?
Putting those thoughts aside I leaned back on the seat, enjoying the 15 minutes of silent journey
When I reached my stop, I glanced back at the train. "Stop thinking too much," I muttered to myself, and headed for the convenience store.
[Time: 4:55 PM.]
As I reached the convenient store, I greeted my manager. Her mood was in bad shape as usual, but it's because of her that I could have a full stomach every day. Since my parents died the manager took me in, gave me job and helped me stand on my own.
Without wasting any more second, I put on my apron and got to work.
[Time: 5:15 PM]
By 11:00 PM, my shift was over. I said my goodbyes to the manager and the staff, then rushed to the station. The streets were almost empty, less cars and people like a curfew.
After few minutes of walk I reached the station. The place was empty — of course. The last train was due any minute.
[Time: 11:06 PM]
Moments later, I heard it. The sound of steel wheels and a low rumble approaching. And right on schedule — 11:11 — the train slid to a stop.
The doors opened with a soft chime, and I stepped inside.
There he was. Same as always. The old man sitting directly across from me, clutching his suitcase like it contained the meaning of life. I'd seen him before. Many times. But I knew the rules: fifteen minutes of silence, and nothing weird happens.
Because here's the thing — the old man sitting across from me… doesn't have a face.
Remember earlier when I said people laugh about ghosts? Because they can't see them, and as for me…,
My name, is Snowfall — Snowy, if you're my friend — and I can see "Ghosts".
I just pretend I don't, so I could avoid being noticed by them. Because if I leave them alone, they leave me alone. This has been my life as long as I can remember, at least it was.
'Until, she came….'
[The story begins.]