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Abstract

This fantasy novella tells the story of Harper, a girl from an East Asian family, who travels alone to a small town in Northern Europe to find solace before Christmas after breaking up with her girlfriend, because of her family’s objections. In the town’s tavern, Harper meets a variety of new friends and spends a joyful Christmas Eve with them. However, as the clock strikes midnight, the town’s weather undergoes a bizarre change, with snow starting to fall in reverse. Confronted with this strange phenomenon, the people in the tavern display different attitudes, leaving Harper shocked and unsettled, and prompting her to embark on a journey to uncover the truth. The novella explores the multifaceted nature of humanity, the rebellion of sexual minorities against familial expectations, and the quest for self-identity and acceptance. Inspired by the movie Inside Out, the story blends psychological and fantastical elements to present a tale of self-discovery.