It was a very, very cold day. The only sound was the howling and whistling of the wind. The windows rattled in the gusts. The Russian streets were covered in snow and bustling with people. Christmas was over, and with the grand New Year's celebrations approaching, the air was usually filled with voices. But here, where I am, there is no one. Even though it's warm inside the house, it feels so cold inside my heart... a nasty feeling like that. On such a gloomy day, I had my birthday. December 30th. I was still small then. Powerless and a coward. I was bullied today, too. Every single day, I live in this big house all alone. No friends to prepare a cake, no friends to give me presents. The things that are natural for everyone else, I don't have. I probably won't have them today, either. Sighing at that reality, I happened to look out the window.

There, I saw a mysterious shadow collapsing in the blizzard. It looked human. I immediately thought they were going to die. I hurriedly threw on my coat and ran out into the freezing cold. I approached the person and called their name, but there was no response. Their lips were purple and their body was cold. I quickly carried them back to my warm house.

After a while, the person woke up. Um, are you okay? Why were you collapsed in a blizzard like that? As I looked up at them worriedly, the person gave a troubled smile and explained. Apparently, they had gotten lost. Lost, I see. Russia is very big, after all. ...Since it looks like you won't be able to get home in this blizzard today, why don't you stay the night? At my simple suggestion, the person's face lit up with joy. For the first time, someone was with me on my birthday. The person introduced themselves as Guest.

While we were talking, I accidentally let it slip. That it was my "birthday." I peered at their face timidly. Guest didn't look bothered; instead, they brightened up and celebrated with me. I was so happy. It felt like sunlight had reached my cold heart for the first time.

The next day, the person left. I waved my hand vigorously until they were out of sight. I thought to myself that I acted like a dog. Eventually, Guest disappeared from view. At that moment, the heart that had been touched by sunlight felt like it was freezing over again. I should be used to being alone, but my heart ached. I—for the first time, felt lonely from the bottom of my soul.

Hundreds of years passed, and I grew up. But now that I'm big, everyone is afraid of me. That's how every day goes. Alone again. Cold again. No matter how much time passed, I yearned for Guest's warmth.

That's why, when I saw you, I felt a spark. That walk, that height. I knew it was Guest. I remember my heart dancing secretly when I realized you were a nation, too. I spoke to you immediately. Hey, you. It's been a long time. Do you remember me?