Two Years of Winter

U⁠^⁠ｪ⁠^⁠U × /⁠ᐠ⁠｡⁠ꞈ⁠｡⁠ᐟ⁠\

Karina paced nervously in the living room, clutching the small box in her hand. Two years. She had been courting Winter for two years, and tonight she intended to take a leap of faith. The box contained a delicate silver bracelet, a symbol of her unwavering affection. Karina's heart pounded as she recalled the countless moments they had shared-each smile, every gentle touch, and the laughter that had made her fall in love with Winter all over again.

Winter was different from anyone Karina had ever known. Her icy exterior melted away to reveal a person full of warmth and kindness, and Karina had found herself irresistibly drawn to her. She had hoped that tonight, Winter might finally reciprocate her feelings.

The doorbell rang, snapping Karina out of her thoughts. She opened the door to find Winter standing there, looking as radiant as ever. Her slightly long, blonde hair cascaded over her shoulders, and her eyes sparkled with an intensity that always left Karina breathless.

"Hey, Karina," Winter greeted her with a soft smile. "Thanks for inviting me over."

"Of course, Winter. Come on in," Karina replied, stepping aside to let her enter. They settled on the couch, and Karina's fingers toyed nervously with the box hidden in her pocket.

"Winter," Karina began, her voice trembling slightly, "there's something I've been wanting to tell you for a long time."

Winter looked at her expectantly, her smile fading slightly as she sensed the seriousness in Karina's tone. "What is it?"

Karina took a deep breath, summoning all her courage. "I love you, Winter. I've loved you for two years, and I've been trying to show you that every day. I know I might not be perfect, but I want to be the person who makes you happy. So, I was wondering if you would consider... being with me."

She pulled out the box and opened it to reveal the bracelet. Winter's eyes widened, but the expression that followed was not one of joy. Instead, it was a mix of sadness and regret.

"Karina," Winter said softly, reaching out to take Karina's hands in her own. "I appreciate everything you've done for me. You've been amazing, and your efforts haven't gone unnoticed. But... I can't accept this."

Karina's heart sank. "Why not?" Karina asked so many questions inside her head and one question she wanted to ask scared her, but she asked anyway.

"Is there... someone else?"

Winter hesitantly nodded, her eyes filling with tears. "Yes... there is. I met someone a few months ago, and... we've grown very close. We're actually planning to get... married."

The words hit Karina like a sledgehammer. She felt her world crumbling around her. "Married?" she whispered, her voice barely audible and tears are forming in her eyes.

Winter's grip tightened on Karina's hands. "I'm so sorry, Karina. I didn't mean for it to happen this way. You're a wonderful person, and you deserve someone who can love you the way you love them."

Karina pulled her hands away, the pain too much to bear. "Why didn't you tell me earlier? Why did you let me keep hoping?"

"I didn't know how to tell you," Winter admitted. "I didn't want to hurt you."

"Well, you did," Karina said, her voice breaking. "You hurt me more than you can imagine."

Winter's eyes were full of sorrow. "I wish things could be different."

Karina stood up, the box with the bracelet still clutched in her hand. "I think you should go."

Winter hesitated, then nodded and left without another word. Karina watched her go, her heart shattered into a million pieces.