A Little More December

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The conversation drifted into comfortable silence, like we both knew it had to end but neither of us wanted to be the first to say so. Outside, the sky was melting into a swirl of purple and gold, the kind of winter sunset that felt like it had been painted just for this moment.

"I should get going," I murmured, almost as if saying it too loud would break something fragile between us. The truth was, I didn't want to leave, but the longer I stayed, the harder it would be to go.

Justin leaned back, his eyes never leaving me. "Do you have to?" His voice was soft, almost hesitant, like he offered me a chance to stay, even for a little longer.

I pulled my jacket on, but the weight of his question lingered in the air between us. "Yeah, it's getting late."

He nodded slowly, but his gaze never left me. "Alright. I'll see you around, maybe."

I smiled, trying to keep it light, but the knot in my chest said everything my words couldn't. "Yeah. Maybe."

As I stepped outside, the cold air greeted me, but the light caught me off guard. The setting sunbathed everything in a warm, golden glow like the world had been dipped in honey. I felt its soft touch on my skin, the colors wrapping around me like a delicate veil. I glanced back, catching Justin's eyes through the frosted window.

To him, I must have looked like I belonged to that sunset—bathed in gold, a silhouette framed by fading light. His gaze was intense, not in a way that made me uncomfortable, but like he was seeing me for the first time—or maybe remembering something he hadn't realized he'd lost.

He didn't say anything. He didn't have to. The way his eyes followed me, the way they clung to the glow the sunset gave me, said enough. It was like he was trying to capture the image of me—this moment—so he wouldn't forget. And maybe, in some small way, he hoped I wouldn't be so quick to fade into the night.

But still, he let me go.

___________________________________________________________________

As morning light seeped through the curtains, I stirred awake, a lingering smile tugging at my lips. The warmth of yesterday wrapped around me, vivid memories of Justin still dancing in my mind. I stretched, feeling the soft sheets against my skin, and for the first time in ages, my bed felt a little less monotonous.

Instead of diving into my usual routine, I got out of bed and moved to the window, pulling it open to let in the crisp morning air. The fresh breeze filled the room, carrying with it the faint scent of winter and the promise of a new day. Today felt different—a fresh page in a book I was eager to read.

I returned to the kitchen and rummaged through the fridge, deciding to change things up from my usual granola breakfast. I cracked two eggs into a bowl, whisking them together. The sizzle of the eggs in the pan filled the space, and as they cooked, I poured myself a cup of Cuban coffee, the rich aroma inviting.

Once breakfast was ready, I savored my meal, enjoying the contrast of the creamy eggs and bold coffee. Sunlight streamed through the window, filling the kitchen with a warm glow.

I reached into my closet, fingers brushing over the fabric of a short brown dress that cinched just right at the waist. It was a bit more feminine than my usual choices, but something about it felt right today. I paired it with a cream-colored coat, its soft, neutral tones adding a layer of quiet sophistication. As I slipped on black dotted tights and low black heels, I caught myself wondering if I might run into Justin again. Without fully realizing it, I'd dressed a little cuter today, but in a way that still felt polished and true to myself.

I tied my hair back with a black velvet bow, the delicate gold jewelry at my neck and fingers offering just the right hint of refinement. As I stood before the mirror, I noticed the subtle shift in my reflection. It wasn't bold or flashy, but there was an undeniable softness, a quiet hope that I might cross paths with him. Even if I didn't, I felt good—put together and ready for whatever the day might bring.

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