Oh thank so much for such a sweet and detailed comment!! You really made my day c": I'm so happy you enjoyed the game!
I can't believe you noticed all those small details! Indeed the snow at the beginning has two layers, thanks to the particle system linked in the credits. I would have liked to add more particles in other parts but I ran out of time. Also for the UI, I used a preset too, so credits to the original creator for the animations! But I fully customized it with my own graphics.
I'm especially glad you enjoyed the writing! Indeed, I wanted to create something cohesive, mixing art and writing to create a very specific feel... but I was very nervous about it! I wondered if it'd feel off or be too complicated unintentionally. Exactly as you say, I was very inspired by classical short stories, those tales that are very beautifully told but also have a tint of melancholy or sorrow. It's super elating to hear I might have succeeded! c":
Anyway I'm very thankful for being able to hear your thoughts, thank you so much for sharing!! In the future I want to weave this story into a longer anthology, and although all stories are different, I'm excited to see how this story will feel along the others.