Fang and Gift: Chronicles of the Snowpaw Siblings

Capture 01 - Embracing the Chill: Kiba Snowpaw's Vigilant Watch.

In our cozy little home, my little brother and I hold two pictures closer to our hearts than anything else. One is of our mom, her gentle smile radiating warmth that feels like a distant memory. The other is of our dad, his strong presence frozen in time. These photos are more than just images—they're our connection to the love we lost too soon. Some nights, after Ena is asleep, I catch myself staring at them, the ache of missing them filling the quiet. I can't help but wish for the family moments we never got to have, the laughter and love that were taken from us.

It's been three years since we lost Dad in that car accident, yet the pain lingers, as sharp and biting as the icy wind that rattles our door at night. His absence left a hole in our lives—one that feels impossibly vast, no matter how hard we try to fill it. The world often feels too big, too cold, and too unforgiving, but Ena and I have found solace in each other. Together, we've learned how to create our own warmth, leaning on the unshakable bond we share to face each day with quiet strength.

But we've been blessed with an angel in our lives: Kitsune, Dad's close friend and our steadfast guardian. She's been nothing short of extraordinary, stepping in when we needed her most. Thanks to her, Ena and I weren't lost or torn apart by a system that might never have understood us or our bond. The very thought of what could have happened without her sends a shiver colder than any winter night.

We owe Kitsune more than words could ever express, and I carry that debt in my heart every day. It's why I'm determined—no matter how harsh the world gets, no matter how endless the cold outside feels—to keep Ena safe and happy. For him, I'll brave every storm, face every challenge, and ensure that he never has to feel the weight of life alone.

One day, Ena looked up at me with those big, curious eyes, his tail flicking gently behind him. "Big brother, why do you look at those pictures so much?" he asked, his voice soft but full of wonder.

I knelt down to his level, resting a paw on his shoulder as I ruffled his hair gently. "They help me remember Mom and Dad," I said, my voice steady but warm. "They remind me of how much they loved us. Thinking about them motivates me to make sure you're always smiling, no matter how tough things get."

Ena tilted his head, a thoughtful expression on his face, before nodding slowly. His innocence and trust filled my heart with a warmth that pushed back the chill of our snowy world.

Kitsune has been a lifeline for us. She secured a place for us to live, ensured we always had what we needed, and gave us the stability I never thought we'd have again. Sometimes, when I see the way she looks after Ena or catches me lost in thought, I can't help but feel like Dad is still watching over us—through her.

"Do you think Dad knew how amazing Kitsune is?" Ena asked one evening, his small voice carrying a mix of curiosity and admiration as he leaned close.

"I believe he did," I replied, my smile growing at the thought. "He'd be so relieved to know we're not alone—that we have someone like her watching over us."

In those quiet moments, sitting in our warm little home surrounded by memories and Kitsune's unwavering kindness, I felt a flicker of strength reignite within me. Her support wasn't just a safety net; it was a reminder that I wasn't facing the harshness of the world alone. That strength—borrowed or my own—empowered me to protect Ena, to keep going, no matter how cold or unrelenting life became. That's my mission, every single day.

After a year of tireless work as a security guard and saving every spare penny, Ena and I finally achieved something we could call our own. We secured a modest apartment—nothing fancy, but perfect for us. Its walls held the promise of new beginnings, and its location near Ena's school meant I could always be there when he needed me. In this icy, unkind world, it became our sanctuary—a place filled with warmth, laughter, and love.