Winter's Farewell

🇨​​🇭​​🇦​​🇵​​🇹​​🇪​​🇷​ 𝟒₄

The weekend arrived quickly. After the conversation with Leevi at the bookstore, Claire hadn't thought much more about it. It seemed strange that he wanted to get away for a few days, but she decided not to give it too much importance. After all, Leevi had always been someone who enjoyed his space. And if he needed to disconnect a bit, that didn't necessarily mean anything negative.

On Saturday morning, Claire decided to take advantage of the good weather and visit the farmers' market that set up in her neighborhood on weekends. She liked strolling through the stalls, checking out the fresh produce, and sometimes buying something to cook later. There was something about the energy of the people, the constant movement, that made her feel connected to the world.

As she walked through the stalls, her phone vibrated in her jacket pocket. She pulled it out and saw a message from Blair.

"Ready for brunch tomorrow? 11 a.m. at the usual spot."

Claire smiled and quickly replied with a "Yes!" before continuing her walk through the market. She enjoyed having plans with friends on the weekends. It was her way of balancing life; during the week, she focused on work, and tranquility, but on weekends, she dedicated time to socializing, going out, and sharing moments with close people.

While passing by a fruit stall, she remembered that it had been a while since she cooked something for Leevi. They used to share bunch of dinners, and she always enjoyed experimenting in the kitchen when she knew he was coming over. However, lately, he hadn't been around much. Maybe she could invite him to dinner tomorrow after brunch, she thought. But then she recalled what Leevi had said about taking some days for himself. Maybe he wouldn't be available.

Without dwelling on it further, Claire bought some fresh vegetables and decided that if Leevi didn't show up, at least she'd have something nice to cook for herself.

Sunday arrived, and just as planned, Claire met with Blair for brunch. It was their weekend tradition, something they did regularly to catch up and chat leisurely. They met at their favorite café, a small and cozy place with large windows that let in the morning sunlight.

Blair was already seated when Claire arrived. They greeted each other with hugs and quickly started talking, laughing, and catching up on everything that had happened during the week.

"And how did it go with Leevi? Has he responded yet?" Blair asked between bites of her avocado toast.

Claire looked up from her coffee, a bit confused.

"What do you mean, has he responded?" she asked, not quite understanding what her friend meant.

"Well... you told me he was acting a bit weird last time we talked. I thought maybe he had said something to you."

Claire frowned for a moment, remembering their conversation. It was true that the last time they had talked about Leevi, she had mentioned he seemed a bit distant. But, in reality, nothing much had happened since then.

"Oh, right... well, he came to the bookstore a few days ago," Claire responded, shrugging"He told me he wants to take some days for himself, so I haven't seen him since."

Blair frowned slightly but didn't comment much on it. She knew how the relationship between Claire and Leevi worked, and although it sometimes seemed a bit strange to her, she also understood that they had a unique way of managing their friendship.

"Well, maybe it's for the best. Sometimes disconnecting is exactly what you need. Though, it's kind of odd he didn't mention it sooner." Blair paused, taking a sip of her coffee"But how about you? Everything good?"

Claire nodded quickly, downplaying the matter with Leevi. She didn't want to make it the center of their conversation.

"Yeah, all good. Been working a lot, but you know, the usual." She smiled, trying to keep the conversation light.

After brunch, Claire decided not to push the idea of inviting Lee for dinner. If he needed space, she would give it to him, she thought as she walked home. She spent the rest of the afternoon in peace, enjoying her time in the kitchen, preparing a light dinner with the vegetables she'd bought at the market. She turned on a relaxing playlist and let herself get lost in the atmosphere as she cooked. She loved the tranquility of those moments.

While eating dinner alone that evening, she couldn't help but think about how things had changed a little. Even if it wasn't drastic, Leevi used to be more present in her life, and now it seemed like she was seeing less of him. But everything is fine, she told herself. It's always been this way.

Claire finished her dinner, left the dishes in the sink, and decided to go to bed early. The weekend had been relaxing, but she couldn't shake the feeling that something had subtly shifted. Maybe it's just a phase. We all go through moments like this, she thought as she turned off the lamp and snuggled under the blankets. Life went on, and she was sure that Leevi would show up again at some point.

Monday began with a familiar routine. Claire woke up early, got ready for work at the bookstore, and had her morning coffee. When she arrived at the shop, she noticed a message from Leevi.

"I'll be away for a few days. I'll text you when I'm back."

It was a short message, typical of him, but Claire smiled as she read it. At least she knew he was okay. She quickly replied, wishing him a good time away. She knew it was part of his nature to disappear once in a while, and although she didn't fully understand it, she had always respected his need for space.

The day at the bookstore was quiet, like most Mondays. Claire felt at peace, focused on her work. However, she couldn't help but wonder when she would see Leevi again. Though she wouldn't tell anyone, she missed the afternoons they spent together, even if sometimes he would just sit silently, smoking while she rambled on about anything.

The day passed without much excitement, and Claire finished her shift as usual, closing the shop and walking back home. Another ordinary day, she thought, as the sun began to set. Life went on, and although she felt Leevi's absence more than before, she kept telling herself it wasn't something permanent. Leevi always comes back... i think.