Snow Witch'S Journey
The Beach Where Happiness Ends

“I am the only daughter in a happy and well-off family. I can choose which dress I like and what dishes I want to eat. My mom and dad loved me with all their heart. They are willing to do anything for what I want. I also have very good friends with me and always help me at all times. There is no one who does not want such pleasure. As if every day never felt night.”

“My happiness doesn't end at that time. One day, the son of a famous family proposed to me. We were childhood friends before, but since we grew up we rarely played. She brought me my favorite flowers and gave me a ring. I accept it with all my heart. Both of my parents also felt very happy his daughter was proposed by the son of a rich and famous family.”

“He was my dream man. Handsome with a sharp nose and sweet lips. His eyes can pierce my heart gently and make no wound. His face was slender and his body was firm like a knight. Since childhood, he was famous as a handsome boy, but, when I saw him now, I still could not turn away. My heart keeps pounding every time his words are said. Which woman doesn't want a lover like.”

“We both designed our wedding. The plan will be held this month. Before that, I spent a lot of time with him. We used to drive around town so much that I didn't realize I was famous. My name is always called and adored by the people. ‘Nona Ilsa, wife of Mr. Ardenbar’. Just imagining it makes me melt so I can't stand up. Our two families have often met to mutually familiarize the relationship, and the closer my dream is. I said to Ardenbar, if I have a son I want to name a hero of the kingdom, but if a girl is born, I want to name her the most beautiful princess in the whole kingdom. I was so excited to imagine my future that would be the best happiness as long as I lived.”

“One day, my mother told me to give a gift to Ardenbar's parents. A package containing flower arrangements, sweets, and other expensive trinkets. My mother really knows the taste of noble families. Because it is only 15 minutes from my house, I also took it on foot while being friendly with people passing by.”

“At that time, I was too busy thinking about what expression Ardenbar saw when I gave him this, so I didn't realize there were a number of people following me from behind. Before I knew it, those people stuffed my mouth so I couldn't scream and led him to a dark, empty house.”

“They knew that I would soon marry into a rich family, so they arrested me to force me to give him the entire Ardenbar family fortune. When I said no to them, a punch landed in my face. They had no intention of taking my money, they intended to torture me. They kept beating me until I couldn't say another word. Afterwards, I could feel that my clothes were torn and they were harassing my body as if I were their slave. I can't feel anything anymore. Even though I was as strong as screaming for help, no one answered. I can only cry while they are free to do anything to my body.”

“In an abandoned empty house, I woke up in the morning undressed, alone, and terrified. After that, my life got worse. Happiness was taken from my life and my body. Our marriage was annulled because of this incident. I can't see Ardenbar's sweet face like I used to. He looked at me with a look of disdain and humility. News suddenly exploded, spreading everywhere. Everyone who has greeted me on the streets of the city is no longer being friendly to me, they even refer to me as a prostitute.”

“My days have never improved. My parents were hard at work because of the news. Taxes and debts pile up like mountains. Our lives are turning 180 degrees from before. My life's shock got worse when my parents kicked me out, or rather dumped me. They no longer love me. The last place I have support for is no more. No good person has given me a shelter, or just a little help. I tried to smile, but my eyes and heart never wanted to. I don't know what else to do. If you ask, what am I doing here. I want to end my life. I heard that freezing to death can take away my suffering slowly without causing pain.”

I was glued to every line of her speech, to every sad note that came out of her lips. I'm fixated on answers I shouldn't have asked for. I was glued to his deep blue eyes, so I could not see the slightest radiance of joy.

“Are you sure?”

“Iya.”

“Didn't you report it to the authorities?”

“What authorities do!?” the woman attacked me cynically. One end of his lips was pulled up. “I don't trust anyone. The authorities you're referring to are of no use at all. They kept procrastinating, raving at me to be careful, ignoring me for thinking the matter could be resolved without them needing to intervene. Though I was the victim, but why my life actually worsened?”

“But, why did you have to kill yourself?” my many. I wondered to myself, why do I keep asking him questions?

“Because nothing makes me want to live again. I can't even feel happiness anymore like I used to.”

Is ending our own lives one of the choices we can make? I kept questioning myself during the silence between us. I also repeatedly knocked on Aeron, hoping that he would help me.

“How about your story, foreign girl. What makes you here?” the woman threw a question at me pensively.

“I am a witch who travels to various places,” I replied resignedly. I thought I shouldn't have answered, but then I just looked rude to her.

“So, you're a witch? Can you bewitch my life for the better?”

“No such magic .. sorry.”

“Yeah, no problem. I was expecting it too.” The woman bowed after hearing my answer. He hugged his feet while looking at me. “After I noticed again, it turns out you're a pretty girl. If you find someone you love. Don't you ever waste it. If you truly love her, never leave her alone no matter what the circumstances, understand?”

I nodded slowly.

“We've just met, but I'm raving at you,” he laughs blandly. “I'm sure you're a good girl, so don't tell me anything about this, okay?”

I nodded again.

“Alright, I've been relieved that you listened to my story. It's time I left. I suggest you too, foreign girl. Good luck with your trip.” The woman also stood up. From below, I saw his eyes were as determined as possible. He stepped his foot into the waters I could not imagine how cold it was. He was further away, until the water was knee-high.

“Hey, we'd better go. We can't interfere with other people's business, remember?” whispered that Aeron finally spoke to me.

“Can't we help him?” shirihku. If Aeron could see, he would laugh when he saw my face.

The compass is right. I never looked back during my trip. Therefore, my steps always go forward and never stop. By not looking back, making my determination as firm as a rock. My mother also said that I cannot interfere with the course of destiny.

This story is just a little piece of my long journey. If I can't hold myself in this moment, then I can never face the obstacles that await me later. That's how it was supposed to be, I kept looking ahead and stepped forward. I can't be stuck with what binds me in the back. That's what I've been doing all this time.

But somehow it feels so hard. I stopped on the 3rd step towards my next goal. I froze not because of the cold, but because of the number of questions that were holding me back. Is this what destiny wants? Does he not deserve to have a happy life? Is it wrong if I want to pull him off the brink of grief? Is it wrong if I want to help him?

“What are you doing?”

“I ... will help him.”

“You are not an angel. Sometimes you don't have to interfere in other people's business. The woman had already made up her mind, she understood her own choices. You can see it, you should know,” he explained. Although Aeron was just a compass in my bag, he was very chatty.

“I'm sorry, Aeron. I don't want to be like his girlfriend who left him just like that.”

I turned around, but I found nothing in the ocean. I circled my eyes to look for him. Just then, the clouds opened up the moonlight that illuminated the sea surface. The moonlight illuminated a white dress within the ocean. I took out my wand and turned it. Instantly, a giant water bubble lifted with the woman inside. I pulled the bubble to the shore. The bubble broke and flowed into the ocean to reunite.

I leaned the woman against a cliff wall with an overhanging roof. His heartbeat was still felt, he just fainted. As the hunter taught me, I must keep Ilsa's warmth awake. I built a bonfire next to it with my magic. The woman's dress was soaked and soon it would freeze. “Do not see!” I'm going to Aeron. I took off her clothes too.

“What are you talking about? I can't see!”

I took my other clothes in the bag, and put them on the woman. Lastly, I covered his body with one of the thick blankets the hunter gave me. Her body was still cold, but soon it would be warm again. I'm sure the hunter's teachings will definitely save the woman's life.

“What are you going to do now? There's no way you'll take him along the way, right?”

Even though I poured water that filled his lungs, he was still unconscious. Aeron's words are correct, but I can't leave him like this either. I then gave him some of my Pengrium and some dry bread for him. Before I left, I left him a letter.

“I'm sorry for saving you.

I give you blankets, food, and money. Use it as best you can.

Go to Bordam. The people there will meet you kindly, trust me.

Find your new life there. You deserve it. If still

do not find it, continue west until you reach a cliff named

Witch Cliffs. That's myhouse. There you will find my mother

that's very good. My mother will take care of you.

Thank you for continuing to survive until now.

Marked,

Foreign girl.”

This is how I help him. I'm sure there's still a lot of good people with him and I won't leave him alone. I'm sure his life will be happier out there. He may find a new family or new, more loyal friends.

“Are you really sure about all this?” Aeron still doesn't see my beliefs.

“I should be sure.”

I heard Aeron's loud snort even though he was just a compass. “You really are a stupid girl.”