Northern Hearts

#Chapter 1: Festival of Lights

The Montreal Light Festival was in full swing, a carnival of colors that danced across the night sky, reflecting off the snow-dusted streets. Emma's heart raced with excitement as she arranged her paintings, each one a cascade of hues and emotions, a silent story waiting to be told.

Liam had never been fond of crowded places, but the laughter and music lured him into the heart of the festival. He wandered aimlessly, a warm cup of cocoa in hand, until a particular booth caught his eye. It was like a beacon in the night, the paintings a vivid contrast to the white canvas of the tent.

"Beautiful, aren't they?" Emma's voice was soft, yet it cut through the noise around them.

Liam turned to find a pair of curious eyes studying him. "They are," he admitted, "especially this one." He pointed to a canvas that seemed to capture the festival itself, the lights, the people, the joy.

"That's my favorite," Emma confessed, tucking a loose strand of hair behind her ear. "It's the first time I've tried to paint light itself."

They talked for hours, about art, life, and dreams. The festival around them faded into a blur, the world narrowing down to just the two of them. As the night drew to a close, Liam realized he didn't want to say goodbye.

"Can I see you again?" he asked, hope mingling with uncertainty.

Emma hesitated, a battle raging within her. Finally, she nodded, a small smile gracing her lips. "I'd like that."

As Liam walked away, Emma's gaze lingered on his retreating figure. She felt a warmth spreading through her chest, a spark that hadn't been there before. Maybe, just maybe, this was the beginning of something beautiful.