Madam Xiao looked at Xiao Xiao, unsure what he meant.
That didn't seem to have much to do with her earlier question?
"They really are snow butterflies."
Xiao Xiao opened the window a crack.
A thread of icy air seeped in...
Madam Xiao was momentarily dazed by the sudden chill.
When she focused on her son—
The next second, her eyes widened.
That was...
A butterfly was perched on Xiao Xiao's fingertip.
It was one of the snow butterflies that had just amazed her.
Madam Xiao's eyes reflected the snow butterfly.
Clear as day.
Every last detail.
That was...
At such close range, the amazement that had just faded from Madam Xiao's eyes welled up again.
Along with it came disbelief and surprise.
"S-snowflake?"
Madam Xiao covered her mouth.
"They really are snow butterflies."
Her son's words echoed in Madam Xiao's mind.
A dawning understanding came over her.
"Snow... butterfly..."
She looked at Xiao Xiao.
Xiao Xiao nodded with a smile.
"Pretty, isn't it?"
"...Yes."
Madam Xiao couldn't bring herself to look away from the snow butterfly.
"Beautiful."
She had thought she'd merely been lavish with her praise.
She hadn't expected to have guessed right.
Snow butterfly... It really was a snow butterfly.
"Mom."
Xiao Xiao gestured for Madam Xiao to hold out a finger.
Somewhat bewildered, Madam Xiao did as he asked.
"Wh—"
The question she hadn't managed to ask died on her lips.
A faint coolness on her fingertip made Madam Xiao shiver.
It wasn't from the cold.
It felt more like a little jolt of electricity.
Madam Xiao pressed her lips together.
She forced down her excitement.
And tried her best to keep her finger steady.
The dreamlike, beautiful snow butterfly obediently let Xiao Xiao place