Coarse, flakes of white snow were hitting the ground. the light from the laboratory window illuminated the snowdrifts, making the snow-white particles shimmer in the cold light of the lamp. it had long gone past midnight, but albedo and his assistant were still working on their experiment. Albedo notices how hard it is for his assistant. he is pleased to realize the dedication to his work, but he is beginning to worry about her fatigue. he puts his hand on her shoulder. "tired, darling?"