In this chapter, the narrator introduces the snow bug, who lives in the city of Acquaviva, Italy. The narrator tells us that the bug is called amort because of its round appearance and its white color. It lives on the ash leaf in the spring and moves to the fir tree in the summer. He says that he's going to collect firewood to use as a fire place. Akari, the maid who lives with the bug, tells him that it's getting really cold, so they're using the fire place as a place to warm up. She explains that the bugs are messengers, telling us that winter is coming and that they'll be around for a long time. She tells the narrator that he can find the bug again next winter.