Well, this was…beyond unexpected. In a good way. Just as I was thinking, not another poor, mistreated, suffering child, please, the twist came. And what a twist it was.
So, was the boy Winter? Is that why he felt happy when it was bitterly cold and there was heavy snowfall, but unhappy when the sun was sparkling off the sea? And the old lady, or crow demon, came to help him along to colder places? What was the owl clock all about? Marking the passage of time/seasons maybe? The children, who could now play outside on the dry street, mocked him, because he was weak now, but why on earth would he be afraid of the sheep? I guess sheep grazing also signify spring. And then the golden arrows - these again might be sunrays, helping new grass grow. Our boy may need to retreat even further North I’m afraid.