Pipi Prepares the Village for Snow

Pipi stood in the village plaza at dawn, his black nose twitching as he tested the air. The temperature had dropped overnight—too much, too fast. He adjusted his tan utility vest and pulled out a worn brass thermometer from one of the pockets, a tool his father had used in their repair shop years ago.

The reading confirmed his suspicion. Snow would arrive by midday, and heavy.

"Just a dusting, surely," called Elder Mao from the tea house steps, his silver-streaked fur catching the pale morning light. He pushed his thick spectacles higher on his snout. "We've three weeks yet before winter proper."

Pipi shook his head, his small black eyes fixed on the darkening clouds gathering over the mountain peaks. "The wind's shifted from the north. The pressure's dropping fast." He unslung his red umbrella from his back and planted it firmly beside him. "Every structure needs inspection before the storm hits."

"Every structure? Young one, that's forty buildings, six bridges—"

"Forty-three buildings," Pipi corrected quietly. "And the bridges are what worry me most. The old town bridge hasn't been properly checked since spring."

Elder Mao sighed but nodded slowly. "Then you'd best begin."

Pipi had already started walking, his orange-soled work boots crunching across the frosty cobblestones. He moved from building to building with methodical precision, checking roof beams, testing shutters, reinforcing loose boards. His thick paws worked quickly but carefully, tightening bolts, hammering supports.

By mid-morning, the first snowflakes began to fall.

At the old town bridge, Pipi knelt on the weathered planks, running his paws along the support beams beneath. His alert eyes narrowed. The wood felt wrong—soft where it should be solid. He pressed harder.

The beam crumbled like dried bread under his touch.

Pipi's heart sank as he looked up at the darkening sky. This wasn't just rot. The entire eastern support structure was compromised. And this bridge was the only route to twelve families living on the mountain's far side.