Memories of France: One Winter Day; Originally written 11/5/18. Edited and archived 12/25/18. Genre: Fanfiction; Hetalia

The hot beating sun. A sign that summer was afoot and the days only get longer, until the sweet relief of fall. Caroline didn't care for summer much. She would've much preferred the days of autumn. Cool weather, warm some days cold on others, waking to cloudy mornings on which she could draw and feel inspired. She didn't like winter either. Winter was too cold, and even though Caroline loved the rain and cloudy weather, winter was just too dreary. But, there was one winter day on which the dread of the season melted away.

The day was cloudy, one similar to that of a day of fall, it was in the early winter month of December, and class had just let out for the day. Caroline was on her way home, walking so that her feet kicked up the worn dirt road beneath her. The only sound that could be heard was the shuffling of her dragging feet. She stopped a moment to look up at the sky filled with clouds. Suddenly, she heard the bushes beside her rustle, and the crunch of twigs come to life. Out of the bush jumped a small, fluffy, white Persian cat. Its silky long hair shining in the sunlight, its crisp blue eyes burning with excitement, and the small jeweled collar around its neck, sparkling so brightly. Soon after the cat followed a young looking boy with similar attributes to the cat.

"There you are mon petit chaton!" The boy cooed, walking over to his cat, picking it up, and stroking its soft looking fur.

Caroline stared at the boy in awe. She didn't recognize the boy, but she recognized his clothing and accent. He was, unmistakably, French. His clothes were baggy, not something odd for a Frenchman. He wore an indigo dress shirt and simple brown pants. Over that, he had a beige sweater. His sapphire blue eyes shown like diamonds, and his blonde wavy hair was blowing slightly in the wind. He wore a purple silk scarf around his neck, showing his rosy little cheeks. Caroline must've been staring a while because next thing she knew he was staring back.

"Oh, good afternoon belle." He smiled at her.

Caroline didn't realize she'd been staring for so long. She was so startled when he said something to her, she stumbled backward onto the ground.

"Hononon, do you need help?" He laughed as he reached his hand out to her. She gladly accepted the boy's hand and hoisted herself up.

"What's your name?" She asked, dusting herself off.

"Francis. What's your's mon cher?" He responded

"Caroline." She said, picking up her bag up from the ground. "May I ask why you were in the forest?"

"I was chasing mon chaton, Fran. We live North of here." Francis pointed to the forest from where he came.

"Would you like to play with me?" Caroline asked, hoping to have made a new friend. He nodded his head, signaling yes, he would like to play.

They played all evening until the sky started growing dark.

"I have to go now, but it was fun hanging out with you," Francis spoke. He began walking off into the sunset before Caroline could respond.

"Will I see you again?" She shouted.

"I promise." He spoke one more time before leaving for good.

Just as he turned, Caroline looked up at the sky. Small white flakes danced their way down. The first snow of winter.