Chapter 14: First Frost
Author: Sophie Auston
last update2025-12-14 06:49:00

The day had started like any other Saturday, with sunlight spilling through the large glass windows of the mall, turning the polished floors into reflective ribbons of gold. My mom, always the early riser, had dragged us out for “family bonding time,” which in her mind involved walking slowly through every store, comparing price tags, and offering unsolicited fashion advice.

“Honestly, Kairo,” Mom said, hands on her hips, “how do you even know what to wear? You look like a walking grey cloud.”

I shrugged, hands in my pockets, a mix of boredom and mild amusement playing across my face. “Clouds are fashionable now, apparently. Unlike rainbows here.”

Celeste, my little sister, rolled her eyes dramatically, tugging at the sleeve of my coat. “He’s just jealous because I actually like colors, unlike Mr. Grim Cloud here.”

“Jealous?” I smirked. “Please. I’m not jealous. I just… appreciate the ingenuity of monochrome.”

Mom laughed, shaking her head. “Monochrome genius, huh? Sounds like someone
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  • Chapter 14: First Frost

    The day had started like any other Saturday, with sunlight spilling through the large glass windows of the mall, turning the polished floors into reflective ribbons of gold. My mom, always the early riser, had dragged us out for “family bonding time,” which in her mind involved walking slowly through every store, comparing price tags, and offering unsolicited fashion advice.“Honestly, Kairo,” Mom said, hands on her hips, “how do you even know what to wear? You look like a walking grey cloud.”I shrugged, hands in my pockets, a mix of boredom and mild amusement playing across my face. “Clouds are fashionable now, apparently. Unlike rainbows here.”Celeste, my little sister, rolled her eyes dramatically, tugging at the sleeve of my coat. “He’s just jealous because I actually like colors, unlike Mr. Grim Cloud here.”“Jealous?” I smirked. “Please. I’m not jealous. I just… appreciate the ingenuity of monochrome.”Mom laughed, shaking her head. “Monochrome genius, huh? Sounds like someone

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