January and snow

Drew the curtains

He hesitated to answer and I was impatient to wait. I sighed and lowered my gaze to the table. Maybe he would run away after hearing my long narration of me having family issues. I wouldn't blame him, I myself wouldn't want to be with me.

"You remind me of me," he said. I looked up at him, entirely confused.

"What?"

"Not exactly, just the work part. My parents said I should study pharmacy for some reason but I wanted to write books—I loved it. Finally, I got my opportunity to fly out and pursue my dreams of becoming a writer but as I got to the US, I heard the worst news ever.

"My sister back at Wales told me mum had cancer of the pancreas and she was terribly ill. At that time, my whole life crumbled to the ground. I was scared I would lose my mum so I decided to study pharmacy. I did that to make them happy and not cause them anymore trouble because the cancer was enough.

"So I fled to the states to pursue my dreams and at doing that, I left my family and my sick mother. I didn't get to experience Christmas and New Years with my family because I wanted to get my diploma as quick as possible so I could give them and pursue my true dream.

"I finally graduated and wanted to travel back to give them my diploma when my sister called me. You can guess what the call was about, she didn't make it. I was a mess and I decided to become a pharmacist but that ended up as a workload. The city annoyed me and I just wanted to rest. I wanted to hide from my struggles and my mum's burial at that time was anytime soon. I couldn't see them yet.

"So a day when I was feeling down, I found this diner. The only thing that made me visit here frequently and what made this place different was the feeling and of course, the hot cocoa. It reminded me of the warm feeling of home and the hot cocoa tasted like my mum's making. I usually fall asleep here because it's too familiar and I missed her.

"So January, I think you should at least meet them if not because of them but for me. Don't be like me who would regret later. We don't know what might happen tomorrow and we pray nothing bad happens but that's life. Life is an ass. I'm sure you'll feel the weight of their absence once you finally reunite with them."

I took in several deep breaths and used my free hand to wipe away a tear. I hadn't even realized I was crying until I touched the tear.

"You're right, life is short. Fix bonds with your love ones. Blow some fireworks, hang some festive lights 'cause it's New Years." He bent his head and laughed, laughed for the first time since we sat at this table.

"I don't understand whatever you said, but you're right."

"I'm reciting the advert I heard from the radio," I said. He laughed again and let go of my hand. It was just then that I even realized he was still holding unto mine. My hand felt cold and I missed his touch.

"You remembered it all?"

"I loved the ad."

"You said you hated it."

"I lied."

He gasped, "you falsifier." We both paused and after a second, barked out loud laughter. I felt like a kid with their best friend, rolling on fallen leaves and playing in the snow.

"You're the falsifier." Our laughter calmed down and we both sighed. I stared at the road. "I think this is our new home."

"A diner with a blizzard outside."

"Yep." I looked at Christopher who had been staring at me. I didn't want this to become an awkward staring contest, so I asked; "how old are you?"

"Do I seem old?"

"Well... no."

"You hesitated. You think I'm old," he faked sobbing and I reached out for his hand. I grabbed it and used my other hand to rub it.

"You're definitely not old." He looked at our entwined hand and a smile slid up his face. He looked at me, while his finger rubbed my hand.

"I'm 25," he said.

"I'm 21." We sat there quietly but not in an uncomfortable silence, a more understanding and relatable silence if that made sense. "We should probably check the weather forecast." He agreed and we stood up, our entwined hand separating. As it did, an emotion I can't express filled my heart. We walked towards the counter where the barista sat, still reading a novel.

"Excuse us," Christopher said, "may we use the radio to check if any news was broadcasted?" The barista noticed us and nodded, bringing out the radio that was in a cabinet behind him. "Thanks." The barista turned on the radio and searched through multiple stations until we finally a station talking about the weather.

"It looks like by 6am tomorrow, the blizzard would end. Still stay indoors because the snow mower would need to come through first. Thank you" and it continued broadcasting other things. I heaved a relieved sigh and turned to look at Christopher.

"We would finally be able to leave here." I beamed and he smiled back at me. "Can't wait for tomorrow, Chris."

"Yeah, me too, Nuary." My face scrunched up. Nobody have ever tried to abbreviate my name and now someone did, it sounded soo wrong.

"No, don't," I cried and he laughed. "No one has done that and it's better that way. Nuary?" I acted like I'll barf and he laughed harder.

"Okay, I won't... Nuary," he teased.

"Fine, we're playing dirty. I'll play dirty... Topher." He squinted his eyes and a smirk grew on his face.

"Not that bad to be honest."

"What a joy killer!" I cried. He put his hands on my shoulder and directed me to the table we once occupied.

"Let's get you seated, you're already cranky."

"I'm soo not."

"Sounds like a cranky baby to me." I rolled my eyes and sat on the chair in our booth.

"Falsifier."

"Nuary."

"I'll kill you."

"Kill me after I take my beauty rest," he proceeded to resting his head on the back of his chair, crossed his hands behind his head and closed his eyes.

"Hey," he pretended to snore and I rolled my eyes. He snuck one glance at me before shutting his eyes again. His long lashes fluttered for a second then became still. Did he actually fall asleep? He looked soo peaceful and handsome as he slept. I put my black hair in a bun, placed my cheek in my hands and stared at him. He couldn't look more like a story character as the moonlight basked his face.

He was beautiful.

As I was admiring his beauty, he let out a snore so frightening that it could make the grim reaper go out of business.

"Chris!"

"Sorry," he apologized.