Snow Is all I know

After finishing up my food, I decided to walk back towards the midpoint of town. The same people were still chanting the original phrase I heard only moments ago. "The legend is here!" I have never been one to believe in such weird and trivial beliefs, I shook my head in disapproval as I trudged by the group on my way to work. It was about mid-day and we began our normal day at work. Every person had their own specially made line of clothing to combat the cold. It wasn't much since as our race has become acclimated towards the wintery life of Iglanthia, but for the job I pursue, this is another level of cold. Large suits that covered close to the entire body. Thick gloves are made specifically for us gatherers to use. The gated obviously made these for us. My best friend that I made from the city, a young woman Cyndi, was incredibly bright, smart, and full of talent. Kept her thoughts in cloud nine, but was horribly anti-social.

The only reason she opened up to me, was how I shared my lunch with her since I wasn't hungry one day while on the job. Even though starvation is vast throughout our land. I know if I'm now hungry that it's best to give my portions to anyone who seems in need. I've made it clear to others that I'm not selfish and I know my body's limits of what it can work with. Unfortunately, I broke that rule at lunch, my job had been tough lately, traveling out further than we normally do, and making it back into the city just before dusk was approaching. I didn't like that feeling, the anxiety I felt while knowing that if we don't hurry back in time, inevitably leading to my death was frightening.

I'm a simple woman, I don't ask for much, and I don't expect much. Work has become such a dire task. I have certainly become more vulnerable to selfish tactics. It may bring a worthy amount of income, but the risk is still incredibly high. I have started asking other coworkers to go farther distances than I would take myself on a typical day. Death from creatures unknown is one thing I would never desire to experience, and certainly, too many people know that sort of fate all too well. A portion of carcasses that we find are left with nothing but bone, and at times just a few parts left with skin tissue left intact. The sight is always appalling but I know that this planet isn't easy to circumnavigate. If only there was a way to connect every village on this planet. Mourning is something that I cannot manage, but everyone who takes part in the job has been said to quit and find another job in the local area. Which is partly due to why art is always in such high demand, why work mentally intense occupancies when you can think of the brighter side of things through art?

Today was another day on the job, Cyndi and I were in a two-person group, we weren't far off from the city. Our normal route consisted of tracking ourselves towards the southbound part of the Iganthia. Instead, we went north, the sun was at peak height, snow was pelting our face like nothing. My face hurt, but this was nothing compared to the others I have seen. the clothing we have been given by our boss is made of astounding cold-resistant fabric. I would not be surprised if I was told that the Gated made our clothes for this task we take on every day. Cyndi looked at me as we were making our way in knee-deep snow, " Hey Anna! What do you think we'll find today?" I pondered for a moment, the brisk wind rushing past my hair, "Maybe a small family?" Cyndi chuckled, "You may look small and innocent but your mind is a whole different story." It was difficult to hear her over the consuming level of wind, but luckily it was just loud enough to make every word out. We made our way north for a few hours and decided to turn around. It was rare to find deceased individuals, but when we did, we were able to transfer any and all valuable items straight back to the city without the need to carry them. The gated have created a small handheld item that can depict anything and transfer it after a simple scan and send the item back to the city after only a few moments. Incredibly useful on a planet where time is of the essence.

This was my life, carrying out that natural duty of the betterment of the city. Where survival was the only thing on everyone's mind. We all stuck together as a group to make things work. After my typical day's work, I made my way home to my small living space. Individuals typically had a small living quarter but depending on the importance and the number of family members, you could gain extra space. Since I was living alone, I had a small, yet peaceful area where a nice warm breeze came into my room filled with ice. As I was preparing for bed, I went into the bathing room, quickly I cleaned myself off, dried my hair out, and sprawled myself into bed. The gated ones who are responsible for water, and it's warmth have shed a glimpse of hope for the ones who live on Yuri.

All I think about while I attempt to sleep, as the gates are raised, is how bad will the snowfall be tomorrow? I swear all I know is snow and death. Why am I here? What is the point? Then I turn my thoughts towards my family and can rest easy knowing I'm able to provide them serenity through my efforts. I hope my brother is alright.