Snowfall On The Hills

The hills had been quiet throughout the day. It had been freezing winter this time. In the morning when hills woke up with the rest of the world, they found themselves covered with dewdrops. A small hillock, which stood in isolation asked its big brother, the big hill, “Is it going to get colder?”

The big hill, who had been around far too long, replied, “You are young, around only for few decades. I expect snowfall today as the temperature has fallen sharply. Let us talk to the wind. He may have more information.”

The wind, who was still a breeze, was listening to the conversation, spoke for the first time. “Snowfall may come any time, although I will try to take snowstorm further from this place.”

The small hillock interjected, “No, let it come. I like to be covered with white sheet of snow.”

They were quiet for a while.

The wind, in the meantime, had been gathering momentum. It started to sound louder and louder, almost like the howling of a wolfpack.

The small hillock said, “Are you trying to scare us?”

The wind was quiet. A new soft voice was heard, “He has brought me along. There are many of us coming behind.”

The small hillock was curious. While he was speaking, he caught a small white flake falling on his body. It was the snowflake. “I think you have seen me. I am a small snowflake. Many more are following behind. Soon, you and your big brother (pointing towards big hill) shall wear white sheet of snow.”

It felt a bit cold, but as they were covered by a white sheet, both big hill and small hillock were enjoying the white sheet, which had covered them fully.

It had been snowing for a while. Even before the earlier snow dried, fresh snow covered the surface of hills. It snowed throughout the night. By the time it was morning, both the hills had been covered by ten inches of snow.

The wind, who had been silent till now, spoke. “Bye for now. I must take snow-storm to some other place. I hope you enjoyed the snowfall.”

With that he gathered speed and the snowfall ceased.

Monu was keen to watch the snow. By the time he got up, the snowfall had stopped. Still, he decided to walk up to the hills.

Thinking that it would be safer to walk on the solid ice, he put his foot on the dried part of snow and slipped immediately. Fortunately, he fell on recently fallen soft snow, which cushioned his fall.

He decided to walk on the soft snow. Snow-clad hills looked beautiful. He savoured the fresh, clean and cold air as he watched the hills and distant mountains wearing white sheet of snow. It was a good start to the day. After some time, he started back for home.

Monu was back in the village soon, recounting his experience to his friends, who had just woken up.