Author’s Notes: A sequel to Ice Sculptures.

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The fierce wind howled, the air cold and frigid. A lone tiger walks along a snow-covered path, seeking shelter from the unforgiving weather. He sees an entrance to an ice cave, blocked by snow and ice. He starts to dig, digging hard with his powerful and massive paws, his claws extended. He does not stop until he makes an entranceway big enough for him to go through. He enters the cave, shaking his fur of snow. His green eyes sparkle, noticing an ice sculpture in the middle of the cave. He blinks.

It was a figure of a man and woman, entwined in an embrace. They clung to each other, their lips locked. It was a beautiful sculpture, a moving scene. The mighty tiger felt sadness in his heart. The way the lovers clung to each other, they seemed so frantic, so desperate, as if they were slowly dying. The tiger roared, feeling their sorrow and desperation. The ice sculpture moved the mighty tiger, who lived a solitary life. He felt the two lovers’ pain. He roared even louder, a piercing cry, overwhelmed by their love.

Suddenly, the sculpture started to crumble, pieces of ice breaking off. Alarmed, the tiger backed away, watching intently. And then it completely shattered, revealing the two lovers, in the flesh, embracing. They both gasped, catching their breaths. They looked at each other in confusion and shock. The man touched the girl’s cheek, his eyes moist.

“Mina,” his voice choking with emotion.

“Yes, Hwang,” she replied, “we’re alive!”

Hwang takes her mouth, kissing her hard. Mina clings to him, tears spilling down her face. They both did not know how they survived, but they did not care. They were alive… and together. That was all that mattered.

The tiger silently watches, the two lovers lost in each other. He gives a low growl. They both turn, startled by the sound. A look of fear registers on their faces, seeing the tiger. Mina clings to Hwang, as the tiger slowly walks up to them. Hwang immediately puts Mina behind him, shielding her.

“Hwang!” Mina cried out.

“Its okay, Mina. Just stay behind me.”

The tiger looked quizzically at them. They were afraid of him! If he could have laughed, he would have. He walks up to Hwang, nuzzling him with his head, purring. Hwang freezes at first, taken aback, but then relaxes. This tiger was a gentle soul. He places a hand on the tiger’s head, who purrs even louder. Mina comes out from behind Hwang, her expression soft with affection. The tiger walks up to her and nuzzles her hand. She looks at Hwang, who smiles tenderly at her. She kneels down and embraces the tiger. Despite his fierce and wild appearance, this magnificent creature was really a pussy cat at heart.

“Thank you,” Mina whispered to the tiger. “You were the one who freed us, weren’t you?”

The tiger gave a gentle growl, his green eyes sparkling. Mina did not know how fate had brought them together, but she was grateful. They were given a second chance to live. She gets up and goes to Hwang, into his strong arms.

“We were given a gift, Hwang – a second chance,” she whispers softly, burying her face in his chest.

“No Mina,” Hwang softly replies. She looks up at him, her expression confused.

“This is the power of love, little Mina – of love conquering all. Love brought us back, keeping us safe.”

“Oh, Hwang.”

They kiss again, a kiss full of promise and hope, of life renewed. The tiger silently slips out, leaving the two lovers alone. He was content, having done his duty. For this wise and solitary creature knew that love conquers all.