Winter

As the sun begins to show less and less of it self, the temperature quickly decreases. Clouds swallow the sky, and rain drowns the forests. This is the beginning of winter in Gustavus.
Every now and then, snow will fall for days leaving us to shovel our driveways early in the morning to get to school on time. All you can see is white: trees are blanketed, roads are coated, cars are buried, and buildings become indistinguishable from the landscape behind it.
Winters are quiet and peaceful. Everything is so still. The only thing you can hear is the crunch of the snow beneath your feet as you walk. It is clear and bright, but bitter cold. There is no wind, but a soft breeze that passes your face like an icy waterfall. The sun occasionally peeks out of the thick clouds to cast its rays upon the winter scene; its reflection off the snow is blinding yet beautiful.
After a week of constant snow, it will begin to rain and the wind kicks in. The rain could last days. All the snow that was once a nice sight to see will be turned into sheer ice. This ice will cover the roads and drivers will consider putting chains on their tires. Roads now have massive potholes in them, and it is difficult to drive with ease.
Icicles have formed on the roofs of almost every building. They’re staggered across gutters slicing into the air below them with their sharp ends. The snow has melted off the trees and has turned into ice beneath the branches. You can finally see the trees’ contouring figures again. Their branches sway in the strong winds. The peacefulness of winter has diminished. Now it is harsh, and everyone wants it to be over.
Months will pass; the snow will melt; and when the end of winter is near, the birds will come alive again. The forests will become green, and it might even get a tad warmer. The sight of snow will come again next year.
We have survived another winter.